AD MUSEUM

The new Helsinki Architecture and Design Museum unites two institutions under one roof — a fusion of memory and creation, where the city’s past and future meet. Located between the historic center and the harbor, the building acts as a civic connector, linking the cathedral, the market hall, and the waterfront through a clear north–south axis. Its form combines three distinct volumes beneath a continuous roof: a reflective glass façade facing the sea, a granite structure anchoring Eteläranta Street, and a transparent public hall between them that draws the city inward.

At the heart of the museum lies an open, democratic space — a flexible lobby that hosts exhibitions, workshops, performances, and gatherings. This central void connects all levels, encouraging fluid circulation and a sense of collective ownership. The museum is designed as an active, people-centered environment that invites participation rather than contemplation.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the project. Locally sourced materials, compact massing, and natural ventilation ensure both ecological efficiency and sensory comfort. Beyond its environmental performance, the museum fosters social and cultural sustainability by offering an inclusive, adaptable setting for exploration and learning.

This new landmark aims to be more than a building: it is a living part of Helsinki’s urban fabric — transparent, respectful, and continuously in motion — where architecture and design become tools for shaping the public realm.