This is our proposal for the new Architecture and Design Museum in Helsinki.

The Makasiinimuseo design draws inspiration from the harbour’s history and industrial heritage, reflecting the past presence of pitched-roofed shed buildings.

The permeable ground floor acts as the “negative” of these former sheds, giving the building a unique character that ties it to the city’s history and keeps its memory alive through this new landmark.

Aligned with the original orientation, these sheds create the grid on which the building is structured, conceived as a living machine – a true warehouse of design and architecture where the future generations will find inspiration.

The building’s form is highly contextual and respectful of its surroundings, with its curved plan guiding visitors towards the new waterfront, while its volume harmonizes the heights of the old city with those of the waterfront.

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Design: sabina_blasiotti & studio.vw_uk

Structural consultant: form_dp

Status: Competition 2024