2024
Helsinki, Finland
9 000 m²
Architecture Competition entry
The Modest Monument
The proposal for the Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki envisions a new cultural landmark at the edge of the South Harbour that connects architecture, design, and public life into a single cohesive entity. The concept draws inspiration from Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan. A calm, sleeping figure by the water symbolizes unity, peace, and the natural environment.
The new museum is designed as a modest yet confident public building that complements Helsinki’s historic waterfront context. Its sculpted form defines a series of distinct public spaces: a waterfront promenade, a green courtyard, and a lively urban square, while maintaining strong pedestrian connections through the site.
Inside, a spacious main hallway forms the heart of the building. It functions as an internal street linking all public functions and provides visual and spatial continuity between the city and the sea. The upper floors house all exhibition spaces, organized around a clear circulation loop. Large galleries can be adapted for different scales of exhibitions and extended to the outdoor deck for open-air events.
The design emphasizes overall sustainability and accessibility. The spatial logic supports clear orientation and inclusive use. Building materials are selected with consideration for long-term durability and environmental performance, favoring renewable or recycled components such as wood and aluminum. Planted outdoor areas extend the greenery of Tähtitorninvuori Hill to the harbour’s edge.
