The New Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki celebrates the rich heritage and innovative spirit of Finnish and Nordic design and architecture on a global scale.
The site is in Helsinki's South Harbor, part of the city’s historical core and iconic maritime waterfront. Of national cultural and historical value, the site is part of a UNESCO World Heritage district built during the 19th century. The museum design expresses its open, invitational relationship to the city through its massing and generous openings. The building’s central circular form allows a pivot where the wharf bends, thereby facilitating multiple relationships to the cityscape. The building fronts a public entrance plaza to the north and a large window above frames views of Market Square and Helsinki Cathedral. Another two-story window faces a park to the southwest, and a large elliptical oculus offers panoramas of the historic harbor.
Ecological sustainability is supported through controlled natural light via north-facing skylights over a flexible exhibition hall, locally sourced interior wood finishes, and copper cladding, a recyclable material with a long-lasting natural patina next to the sea.
