Helsinki | Finland
Museum of Architecture and Design - Kuksa
A Helsinki museum concept connecting craft, visitor movement and an elevated public realm with a flexible cultural programme.
Client | Real Estate Company ADM and the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design
RIBA Stages 0-2
Budget | €70m
Area | 11,000 sqm
Use | Education and culture
Status | Public procurement entry
Scope | Concept design
CONTEXT
The proposal addresses a new museum of architecture and design in Helsinki and the opportunity to make the building part of a wider civic destination. The concept needed to connect flexible exhibition requirements with a public experience that could remain active beyond the galleries themselves.
ARCHITECTURAL RESPONSE
Kuksa draws on Finnish making traditions and Sámi embroidery. A continuous ramp weaves together exhibitions, circulation and views, making the route through the museum part of its interpretation of craft. Sculpted volumes and raised public space provide settings for gathering and performance beyond the galleries. Flexible exhibition spaces and a proposed palette of locally sourced materials extend this approach across the museum programme.
