Modern Agora

modern agora

A contemporary civic landmark shaped by openness, creativity, and public life.

Our proposal for the New Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki envisions a contemporary civic landmark shaped by openness, creativity, and public life. Conceived as a modern agora, the museum forms a symbiotic relationship with the city, becoming a vibrant destination for residents, visitors, and the international community. It celebrates architecture and design as shared civic resources while embedding sustainable and ecological principles throughout.

The project aims to create a dynamic public environment that strengthens Helsinki’s urban fabric and offers an innovative spatial experience. Central to the design is the concept of relational urbanism, which treats architecture as an interface that fosters dialogue between people, place, and culture. Through panoramic views, porous boundaries, and fluid interior circulation, the museum connects visitors to the city’s architectural heritage and its evolving future.

The building functions as a civic generator, blending learning, play, and participation within an open and inclusive cultural landscape. A gently ascending helical ramp extends the public realm vertically through the museum, ensuring accessibility while offering cinematic, ever-changing perspectives of Helsinki. This outward-facing circulation strategy reinterprets the iconic Guggenheim ramp, transforming it into a device for engagement that links exhibitions, public spaces, and the city beyond.

A tripod of vertical cores supports a timber roof structure that spans the upper levels, culminating in a fourth-floor gallery. This expansive, adaptable hall—framed by sweeping views of the South Harbour—accommodates exhibitions, workshops, gatherings, and large-scale events. Its openness establishes it as both a civic asset and an economic contributor, supporting special programming and enhancing long-term resilience.

Environmental and social sustainability are integral to the proposal. Solar cells, cross-laminated timber, and low-carbon materials reduce environmental impact, while generous public spaces and accessible routes foster community, inclusivity, and cultural exchange. Together, these strategies position the museum as a welcoming hub that enriches Helsinki’s cultural landscape and supports a vibrant, future-oriented public realm.