Helsinki Museum Proposal

The project is conceived as a contemporary civic landscape—an architecture rooted in the tradition of public space as an incubator of ideas and a gathering ground for society at large. Rather than operating as an isolated object, the building positions itself as an extension of the city, reinforcing Helsinki’s strong relationship between culture, public life, and the waterfront.

Its proximity to the ocean is a fundamental driver of the design. A large public ramp spans across the roof, transforming it into an elevated promenade that connects visitors to the sea, the skyline, and the city beyond. This continuous gesture dissolves the boundary between ground and building, offering a generous outdoor public space with panoramic views and a strong sense of collective ownership.

At ground level, a pair of interconnected tunnels pass beneath the elevated roof, forming weather-controlled public galleries. These spaces allow the museum to remain active throughout the year, accommodating exhibitions, public programs, and informal encounters while maintaining a constant visual and spatial dialogue with the surrounding landscape.

Together, the roof ramp and the ground-level galleries establish a layered civic experience—one that operates simultaneously as infrastructure, architecture, and social condenser—linking city, ocean, and people through movement, light, and shared occupation.

Project Name: Helsinki Museum of Architecture and Design

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Year: 2024

Status: International Competition Proposal (Unbuilt)

Client: City of Helsinki

Program: Museum / Cultural Institution

Total Area: approx. 12,000 m²

Public Space Area: approx. 4,000 m² (roof promenade, galleries, circulation)

Architecture & Design: Estudio Felipe Escudero

Engineering: Arup

Landscape: Integrated with architectural proposal

Visualizations: In-house / Collaborators