A proposal for the Helsinki Architecture & Design Museum (2024)
Cella
Located at the Helsinki seashore, the building stands in parallel to the surrounding streets, thus respecting the urban grid and existing architecture via scale, orientation, and posture. The planar outline of the building derives from three consecutive spaces from classical architecture, where the central space – cella – is reoriented towards the sea and the Presidential Palace. Formally, the proposal is constructed with circular and geometric forms deriving from these three spaces and the surrounding site. As a result, along with the counterpoise of the sculpted exterior and interior spaces, the building represents a rather contemporary and urban form language.
On the interior, a longitudinal circulation zone divides the building into three sides: western (logistics, library and workshop spaces, lobbies), eastern (restaurant and entrance spaces), and northern (staff and conference spaces). The exhibition spaces are located at all sides with altering views to the surroundings. The main exhibition space is divided into three smaller asymmetrical rooms of different heights that are spatially connected at the center. Overall, all levels are vertically connected via public outdoor aisle: the restaurant, the library lobby, the balcony/mezzanine, and the conference spaces. The common areas serve as spaces for reading, eating, resting, and learning. Standing, wall-mounted, and mobile displays for temporary artworks are located along the common circulation route. The workshop spaces include a space for working with glass; a place to explore, to demonstrate and to host a glass-artist-in-residence.
Pronaos. Cella. Opisthodomos.
The building is constructed with thermal brick plastered and whitewashed externally, placing cut stone tiles at the ground level. The interior finishes are in wood, drywall on walls and ceiling and white marble in selected areas. The interior window frames are wood and sinless steel, while the exterior frames are wood and white aluminium. As for the proposed landscaping and exterior arrangements, the proposal provides stairways and ascending seating areas, circular slopes and an Amphitheatre for performing and gathering. The primary pedestrian path runs in parallel to the shoreline, along with the cycling route around the site. The proposed planting areas consist mainly of native cherry tree species.
