NEW MUSEUM OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

HELSINKI, FINLAND

2025

Finland has been characterized by its rich legacy of innovation and technological contribution to the world. The Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki’s South Harbour is designed to highlight Finland’s achievements in technology, environmental sustainability, and public space, offering visitors an immersive experience of the nation’s pioneering spirit.

The long-lasting nature of concrete means the building will have a significantly extended lifespan, reducing the need for frequent renovations or rebuilding. This longevity reduces the overall environmental impact over the building’s life cycle. Additionally, concrete’s thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, thereby reducing the energy required for heating and cooling.

The design is deeply inspired by the tradition of using public space as an incubator of ideas and a gathering space for society at large. The proximity to the ocean and the site’s potential to connect its visitors to nature and the cityscape, is emphasized by a large ramp that spams over the roof. This ramp provides outdoor public space while a pair of connecting tunnels under the roof at ground level, provide weather controlled public galleries.

The museum functions as a dynamic instrument for city enjoyment by transforming its roof into a large public plaza. By integrating this expansive plaza into the museum’s design, the building not only becomes a cultural hub but also an immersive viewing platform, blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors. This design approach is a technological innovation, as it reimagines the traditional use of rooftop space. The structure’s ability to support a public area with panoramic views while maintaining the museum’s functionality represents a forward-thinking blend of architecture and urban experience.

LOCATION
USE
CLIENT
TEAM

Helsinki, Finland
Museum
The Museum of Architecture and Design
Raúl Rodríguez, Felipe Escudero

MORE PROJECTS

ECOALF

MARITIMA HOUSE

HGST PAVILION

THE SHELTER

LA CASA DE JESUS