KIWI, Guggenheim Helsinki

The Finnish word for "stone" was chosen as the project's name. Stone, as an integral element of the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland landscape, embodies the idea of returning a natural element to the port city.

The project's objective paradoxically leads to the creation of a stone or a piece of rock. The stone's surface is covered with moss, grass, and small trees. As a natural element, the stone changes with the seasons, enriching the harbor's image. Its visual impact is enhanced by the contrast with its surroundings.

The urban context of central Helsinki consists of a regular planning grid and irregular natural elements: hills and islands. While a building, the new stone nevertheless connects with Helsinki's natural landscape.

A large stone is split into two parts, forming a public plaza/entrance space and opening the interior to the city. The smaller part houses a conference hall, while the larger part is occupied by the rest of the museum's program.

A pedestrian path leads to an observation deck at the top of the rock, the entire surface of which is dedicated to year-round, all-season activities: leisure and recreation, exhibitions, performances and concerts, sleigh rides and ice skating, festivals, and sunrise viewing.

The interior space is a structured sequence of spaces developing around a multifunctional, irregularly shaped central hall. Cracks in the rock open up the interior spaces toward the city, with views of the South Bay and the sea.

The entrance features a café on the right side and a museum shop on the left. The museum's central space extends into the volume, with exhibition halls on either side. The rear of the building houses offices, storage areas, and technical facilities.

The building's layout accommodates a variety of events, offering a variety of exhibition modes and spatial sequences. The central space can be used alongside the exhibition halls or independently for special events. Circulation between levels is organized by stairs along the left side of the central space. Rectangular shafts accommodate additional stairs and elevators. The upper observation deck is accessible from the exhibition area and the restaurant.

In contrast to the exterior, with its plants and natural stone, the interior space, dedicated to the museum program, consists of neutral white halls with wood-paneled public and multifunctional spaces. Transparent glass serves as a boundary between the surfaces, ensuring the openness of the building's interior.

Architects: Vladimir Belsky,

Andrey Dolotov, Tatyana Tyushnyakova, Natalia Nesterenko

Location: Central Harbor, Helsinki, Finland

Competition project: 2014