Design Competition for the New Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki finalists: City, Sky and Sea; Kumma, Moby, Tau and Tyrsky.
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Five proposed designs for Finland’s New Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki have been revealed for public feedback ahead of the final jury selection in September.
The finalists, City, Sky and Sea; Kumma; Moby; Tau; and Tyrsky, emerged from 624 entries submitted to an international open competition launched in April 2024. Each team developed their concept over six months following initial shortlisting in December. Feedback collected in the first stage was shared with the finalists alongside jury guidance.
The public can now view the refined proposals via the City of Helsinki’s Kerrokantasi portal and submit comments until 31 July. The jury will consider the feedback before announcing the winning design on 11 September.
The new museum will occupy a 10,050 sq m site on the Makasiiniranta waterfront in Helsinki’s South Harbour. Opening is scheduled for 2030. The museum will incorporate the merged collections of the Museum of Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki, featuring over 900,000 artefacts.
The competition brief prioritised adaptability, accessibility, sustainability, and integration into the urban environment. Jury chair Mikko Aho said the assessment focused on functional museum spaces, the building’s relationship to its surroundings, and the climate-resilient qualities of each proposal.
Kaarina Gould, CEO of the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, said the competition embraced Finland’s tradition of anonymous architectural contests, while also encouraging public and professional engagement. She described the initiative as an investment in cultural heritage and a contributor to long-term economic growth.
All five proposals reflect varying approaches to materiality, form, and site response.
City, Sky and Sea features curved walls and a translucent roof, with façades made from recycled glass panels. Two terraces overlook the Market Square and the sea.
Kumma is compact and low, preserving key sightlines from Tähtitorninvuori Park. Its stepped triangular forms continue throughout the interior and into a sea-facing outdoor gallery.
Moby employs a wedge shape to maintain waterfront views. The structure uses recycled light bricks and incorporates a large sea-facing rooftop terrace.
Tau proposes a low rectangular building with glass facades that connect interior and exterior. It uses glass, granite, and wood materials including birch and pine, and also includes a rooftop terrace.
Tyrsky draws on maritime inspiration, using undulating zinc-sheet roofing. The design includes an inner courtyard for natural light and makes use of solid timber throughout.
The museum will act as a cultural institution with a mission to “democratise the tools of design.” It will host exhibitions, public events, and house services including a design library and summer terrace. Programmes will address the relevance of design to social and environmental challenges.
The total project budget is approximately €105 million, with construction costs capped at €70 million. Each team in the final stage received €50,000, with further prizes of €50,000, €35,000, and €25,000 to be awarded. Two additional purchase options are available at €20,000 each.
The competition jury includes professionals from Finnish and international institutions, such as the V&A East, The World Around, and Aalto University.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
