The race to design Finland's new Museum of Architecture and Design is heating up, with five innovative proposals selected from over 600 entries submitted worldwide. This design competition, launched by the Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Foundation alongside several civic partners, aims to create a modern, sustainable architectural landmark at Helsinki's prominent South Harbour.
The five designs shortlisted for the next phase of the competition—named Tyrsky, Kumma, Moby, Tau, and City, Sky and Sea—reflect diverse architectural visions committed to environmental sustainability and urban harmony. The public will get the chance to view these entries and provide feedback until January 31, 2025, offering insights to the architects during the development stage.
According to Kaarina Gould, CEO of the Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Foundation and jury member, “We are immensely grateful for the response to our international design competition and want to thank each of the 624 teams… A massive thank you also to fellow jury members for their commitment – the work continues.” This expression of gratitude highlights the competitive spirit and quality of submissions received.
Beate Hølmebakk, another juror and esteemed architect, pointed out the promising qualities of the five finalists. “What these entries share is their potential to be buildings of extraordinary and lasting architectural quality,” she said. The jury's decision to focus on not just design aesthetics but also on sustainable practices, such as calculating the carbon footprint and principles of circular economy, signifies a collective shift toward responsible architecture.
The five featured proposals each offer unique approaches to form, function, and materials:
Tyrsky stands out with its curved green copper roof, which reflects the maritime environment and integrates well with the surrounding architecture. This design allows for natural light to penetrate its interior through interconnecting volumes, creating inviting spaces for visitors.
Kumma presents itself as a compact structure prioritizing significant scenic views from nearby parks. Its low profile and triangular openings add character, facilitating access from multiple entry points and enhancing visitor experience.
Moby proposes a wedge-shaped footprint, adeptly balancing public accessibility and stunning views of Helsinki's waterfront. Notably, Moby features resource-efficient design through its compact form and use of recycled materials.
Tau embodies minimalist architecture, illustrating how simplicity can assert landmark status without flamboyant designs. This building harmonizes with the northern façade and seamlessly welcomes visitors.
City, Sky and Sea utilizes elegant curves to create a sense of lightness. Designed to echo the characteristics of open air, this proposal invites views of the surrounding harbor, enriching the visitor's experience as they navigate among exhibits.
The competition is organized by the city and the state-owned Real Estate Company ADM with support from various private foundations and community contributions. This collaboration affirms the vitality of cultural projects and their role as catalysts for community engagement and tourism.
Moving forward, each design will undergo refinement based on jury and expert feedback, particularly focusing on sustainability metrics and user-friendly design principles. Workshops will be held to engage directly with user groups, ensuring the museum's design meets the varying needs of its future visitors.
The anticipation continues to build as the final winners are set to be announced in September 2025. This timeline allows ample opportunity for innovative ideas to root well within the Helsinki’s architectural and cultural fabric.
Interested individuals can find more information and follow the progress of this competition on the dedicated website at admuseo.fi, where updates will be regularly posted on the entries, design reviews, and public commentary.
