The new Helsinki Design Museum embodies a bold reinterpretation of urban connections, transforming the traditional role of a museum into a dynamic and interactive cultural monument. This project is guided by a forward-thinking vision that erases the boundaries between public and private spaces, as well as between the built environment and the city's natural fabric. By leveraging innovative design, sustainability principles and local inspiration, the project seeks to redefine how architecture interacts with its surroundings and community.
The museum redefines traditional floor plans with six adaptable gallery spaces that can be adapted to suit different needs. Ceiling heights between 4.5 and 10 meters provide space for a variety of exhibitions, while the first floor provides a great entry point for large-scale installations. Essential amenities, including a cozy lobby, barrier-free facilities and a museum shop, complement the experiential aspects of the museum.
This reimagined Helsinki Design Museum makes a bold statement about the future of urban cultural spaces. Combining adaptability, resilience and sustainability with a deep respect for the local context, the project goes beyond traditional museum concepts and offers a space where city, culture and environment come together. This dynamic structure is a testament to Finland's commitment to innovative design and sustainable urban living and sets a benchmark for cultural institutions worldwide.
2024
The Helsinki Design Museum covers a total built area of 12,000 m² and places great emphasis on sustainability and integration with the environment. The project includes 4,200 m² of green roofs, covering 35% of the total roof area, as well as 1,500 m² of flood-proof zones to increase resilience to sea level rise, which is expected to rise by 30 cm over the next 50 years.
Structurally, the museum features a steel framework that supports the building's robust construction. The flooring is made of Kevystone, a durable and sustainable material, while the facade is made from 20,000 individual pieces of recyclable wood, highlighting the project's commitment to environmentally friendly material selection. High-performance, low-carbon wall insulation complements the building's energy efficiency.
Spatially, the museum includes six modular gallery spaces, each designed for flexibility. These galleries have customizable dimensions to accommodate a variety of uses such as exhibitions, offices and events. Ceiling heights range from 10 meters on the first floor, ideal for large-scale installations, to 6 meters on the second floor and 4.5 meters on the third floor. Core facilities such as a welcoming lobby, accessible toilets, elevators, emergency stairs and a museum shop ensure comfort and accessibility for visitors.
Sustainability is at the heart of the design and meets LEED Platinum certification standards. The building features advanced HVAC systems, passive solar design, rainwater harvesting and flood-proof landscaping. Locally sourced materials, which make up 80% of the total, minimize the carbon footprint while strengthening the connection to Finnish architectural traditions. Renewable energy sources, including solar panels and geothermal energy, further optimize building performance.
Andreas Palfinger, Ana Cyano, Nele Herrmann, Aryaman Garg, Felix Wong, Riccardo Rivano and Luan Fontes.
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