· GUGGENHEIM HELSINKI DESIGN COMPETITION ·

Envisioned as a cultural resource for local community, tourists and visitors, it is essential to make a bold architectural statement, and serve as a landmark but tied into Helsinki urban tissue.

Explicitly designed structure respectfully sets contrast with surroundings by juxtaposition of static and dramatic, solid and transparent elements. Rotated main facade meets with the city grid on north. This dynamic articulation at the merging point of two dominant grids, emphasises new created urban plaza.

Main entrance is topped by a soaring “Helsinki Gallery”, enclosed in signature wooden lattice. The airy structure floats, folds and overhangs into a dramatic courtesy that protects visitors as they enter the building. From the main lobby, visitors walk to “Grand Staircase” – circulation and exhibition space, encased in glass and wood structure, system of wooden ramps and stairs that leads through the museum, culminating at the “Helsinki Gallery” providing dramatic opening towards city skyline.