Guggenheim Helsinki

Helsinki is characterized by a unique relationship between green space, water and the city.  The site of the museum sits at a hinge point between those three forces, yet divides them and breaks the connections that they once held.  This proposal reaches out and reconnects the park, harbor and city in its interplay with the  museum.  A continuous pedestrian path is created, linking all surrounding site elements, with vertical circulation made possible through a series of glass tunnels that travel through the both interior and exterior of the building . This procession culminates in a rooftop sculpture garden that offers sweeping views of the fabric of the city.

The skin of the building is glass, creating a symbolic openness to city. Inside the glass, the building program is contained within three wooden towers, putting the rich Nordic tradition of timber architecture and boatbuilding on display without exposing it to the elements. The design features create a building unique to its place both physically and culturally.