Helsinki's new Design and Architecture Museum may become a textured-glass beacon - Yanko Design

"Cossement Cardoso's proposal for Helsinki's Design and Architecture Museum earned the second prize in the international competition for the city's historic South Harbour site . The design envisions a sleek, translucent skin of textured glass that wraps the building, allowing natural light to filter softly while maintaining a sense of privacy for the collections inside . This glass façade creates a luminous envelope that changes tone throughout the day, turning the museum into a cultural beacon perched at the threshold between land and sea ."

"The most striking feature is the undulating roof that sweeps upward like billowing sails, echoing Helsinki's maritime heritage and its iconic skyline . The curved form not only provides an eye‑catching silhouette but also serves practical purposes: it channels rainwater into a hidden collection system and creates sheltered outdoor terraces for visitors to enjoy views of the harbor. The roof's gentle arc reinforces the museum's role as a bridge between the city's historic past and its forward‑looking design future ."

"Materiality lies at the heart of Cardoso's concept. The textured glass panels are engineered to diffuse glare while preserving interior security, offering a balanced play of opacity and transparency . Sustainable considerations are woven throughout the design, from the use of high‑performance glazing that reduces heating demands to the incorporation of renewable energy sources on the roof's surface. The architect's team describes the approach as "experimental and sustainable," aiming to set a benchmark for environmentally responsible cultural institutions."

A museum sited at Helsinki's historic South Harbour features a translucent textured-glass façade that softly filters natural light while preserving collection privacy. An undulating roof sweeps upward like billowing sails, echoing maritime heritage and channeling rainwater into a concealed collection system. Sheltered outdoor terraces provide harbor views and a bridge between historic context and contemporary design. High-performance glazing reduces heating demands and rooftop renewable energy systems support sustainability goals. Flexible exhibition spaces follow a central spine beneath the curved roof, enabling adaptable galleries and promoting interaction between design, architecture, and the public.

Read at Yanko Design - Modern Industrial Design News