International design competition for Finnish architecture and design museum opens

International design teams have been invited to take part in an open design competition for a new museum in Helsinki's South Harbour, anticipated to open in 2030.

The 10,000 square metre building will house a national museum of architecture and design, following the amalgamation of the Design Museum Helsinki and the Museum of Finnish Architecture in January 2024.

The museum's collection will exceed 900,000 artefacts, comprising objects, correspondence, models and photographs documenting the work of internationally renowned design practitioners such as Aino and Alvar Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Maija Isola, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Paavo Tynell, alongside design brands such as Marimekko, Nokia and Fiskars.

The jury includes Gus Casely-Hayford (director of V&A East); Beatrice Galilee (co-founder of The World Around); Kaarina Gould (chief executive of the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design); Salla Hoppu (leading architect, City of Helsinki); Riitta Kaivosoja (director general, Ministry of Education and Culture); Beate Hølmebakk (partner, Manthey Kula Architects); Matti Kuittinen (Aalto University); Miklu Silvanto (AD Museum); Anni Sinnemäki (City of Helsinki); Sari Nieminen (Architectural Office Sari Nieminen), and Hannu Tikka (APRT Architects). Architect and vice chair of the board of Real Estate Company ADM Mikko Aho will chair the jury, with assistance from vice chair Juha Lemström (chair of Real Estate Company ADM board).

"Helsinki has an international reputation for architecture and design that reflects the strong belief in good design as a means for living well that is present in all Nordic societies. We're delighted to launch this international open competition to find an architect for the new museum of architecture and design," said jury chair Mikko Aho.

"The open competition is a strong component of the tradition of architecture in Finland that opens the commission up to exciting concepts from designers at any stage in their career - from undiscovered talent to established names.

"This new museum will enhance Helsinki's global profile as a capital of design by placing the subject at the heart of the urban renewal of the South Harbour, one of the city's most significant waterfront sites. We're delighted to bring this project forward to create social benefits, provide new employment, attract international visitors and generate commerce in Helsinki."

The competition has been arranged by the Real Estate Company ADM, owned by the City of Helsinki and the State of Finland and the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA).

An online seminar outlining the project brief will be held on 24 April 2024. To find out more about the competition, visit the website.