The Meltsinki museum at night, its perforated white drums glowing beneath a timber-clad upper volume.

Meltsinki

Location
Helsinki | Finland
Client
The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design Real Estate Company ADM
Type
Museum
Size
10 000 m2
Status
Competition entry | 2024
Team
Tatiana Keskevich, Eugen Liashuk, Admir Cerimagic | MinimalArk

New museum of architecture & design.

Nestled at a vibrant crossroads, the new Helsinki Design Museum embraces its dynamic surroundings, emerging as a fluid interface between the city and the world of design. The design, a graceful response to the site’s energy and exposure, weaves a tapestry of movement and openness, where form is shaped by flows of people, light, and perception.

Architecture here is not a static object, but a living system continuously adapting to its urban context while inviting visitors into a seamless spatial journey.

Approaching the museum, visitors are welcomed by a sweeping, curved facade - a window into the museum’s bustling heart. Glimpses of workshops, exhibitions, and creative endeavors beckon, drawing them closer. The fluid lines of the building guide them towards multiple entrances, each revealing a unique facet of the museum’s diverse offerings.

Inside the 10,000 m2 large building, a world of exploration awaits. Wander through galleries, studios, and interactive spaces, immersing yourself in the boundless world of design. Ascend the grand staircase to the first terrace, a tranquil haven where visitors can pause, reflect, and savor panoramic views of the city.

The Meltsinki museum seen from the water at dusk, with its perforated base and green-roofed timber volume above.Interior atrium of the Meltsinki museum, with hanging banners, a timber ceiling and a terrazzo stair.
Site diagram of the Meltsinki competition plot in Helsinki, marked as a maximized footprint.

Footprint

To reach the desired square meters it was necessary to take advantage of the whole site.

Diagram of the Meltsinki museum functions spreading outward within the site boundary.

Functions & entrances

To create an inviting floor plan we pushed the functions to the utmost perimeter of the site and had the entrances leading into the center of the building.

Diagram showing the Meltsinki museum function volume lifted clear of the ground.

Flowing form

The building shape creates a natural flow all the way around.

Diagram placing the long exhibition bar of the Meltsinki museum across the Helsinki site.

Structured

A second volume gets introduced and stands in contrast to the curvy shape. The shape is functional and optimal for exhibitions. The lines of the buildings stands either perpendicular or mimics some of the existing lines and shapes.

Panorama of the Helsinki waterfront skyline with the proposed Meltsinki museum among the existing buildings.
Design drawing for Meltsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Above, a breathtaking volume seems to float effortlessly - a beacon of artistic expression. This ethereal structure, housing the museum’s main exhibition, is a destination in itself. The lobby reveals its intricate framework, leading the eye upwards towards the galleries above. Step into this luminous space and experience a symphony of architecture, art, and light. Interactive exhibits spark curiosity, while carefully curated displays showcase the evolution of design. Expansive windows frame stunning vistas of Helsinki, creating a dialogue between the museum and its urban context. For the adventurous, a glass floor offers a thrilling glimpse of the world below.

Each gallery, thoughtfully designed, provides a unique backdrop for the art it houses. Whether intimate or grand, the spaces amplify the power of creative expression, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor.

The Helsinki Design Museum is more than a building; it’s a journey, a celebration of human ingenuity and the transformation power of design.

A rocky, snow-covered island of pines on a frozen Finnish lake.
Diagram of approach routes to the Meltsinki site along the Helsinki waterfront.

Flow & logistics

The flows are optimized for pedestrians. The trucks has the possibility to enter and unload from south.

Diagram marking entrances and sightlines into the Meltsinki museum site.

Views

Other than creating interesting views and glimpses into the life inside the museum from the outside. The interior functions have each unique views to the many areas of the south harbor.

Diagram drawing neighbouring parkland into a linear green strip across the Meltsinki site.

Green connection

Arriving to the site from the park one will perceive the green connection. The upper roof have an outdoor exhibition area that adds a new element to the harbor.

Diagram of the final Meltsinki massing, with the exhibition bar above a wavy, perforated public ground floor.

Extension of the square

All visitors have access to the public rooftop. It functions as the extension of the urban space.

Illuminated physical model of the Meltsinki museum in its Helsinki waterfront context at night.Aerial view over Helsinki harbour with the Meltsinki museum set among the city blocks and market square.
Floor plan for Meltsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Ground floor

Floor plan 2 for Meltsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

First floor

Floor plan 3 for Meltsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Terrace level

Floor plan 4 for Meltsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Roof level

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