The Light House Competition entry Guggenheim Helsinki
As a walk-in museum landscape and urban development concept for the waterfront promenade of the Helsinki harbour basin, a sculptural architecture unfolds and becomes a new landmark with a view over the water. Dynamic free forms interpret the maritime environment and allow spatial concepts, spatial references, openness and closeness, public space and cultural life to merge in an unusual way.
Like a large wave, two bowls form a large, flowing freeform that surge upwards and form a large sail. Front and back consist of a transparent façade that allows views in and out and brings art into everyday life. On the water side, the façade is medially played with and acts like a large lighthouse as a gesture of welcome into the distance.
The concept approaches the task under the aspect of urban integration and landscape planning. The design and orientation take into consideration the manifold heights and strands as well as visual axes of the urban environment and interact with surrounding cultural buildings and churches. The positioning and newly created accessibility to the water create a link between the city, the park and the banks. As a great sculptural gesture, the design lends urban identity.
The elevation of the building, its accessibility from the park and its opening to the water create a public space with exceptional qualities. An organic play of landscape, water, squares and terraces, where high culture and everyday culture merge.
The interior is determined by organic forms and flowing sequences of spaces that develop from the large reception hall upwards. Overlaps, galleries and staircases convey dynamics and the experience of new spatial perspectives. The complex spatial organism is played by contemporary art, supplemented by digital exhibition didactics.
Artist in Residence in the form of temporary studios not only promotes young artists, but also gives visitors the opportunity to participate in artistic processes of creation. Affiliated galleries serve as a platform for young artists to show their work and establish contact with the public and future gallery owners.
In addition to the exhibition area of over 4980 sqm, exhibition galleries of over 4980 sqm, rooms for programmes and events of over 770 sqm, the room programme also includes conference and training rooms, offices, laboratories, storage areas, mobile stage platforms, areas for gastronomy and retail, multi-purpose zones, service areas, ticketing and visitor management.
CLIENT
Guggenheim Foundation
CATEGORY
Museum
LOCATION
HELSINKI / FINNLAND
YEAR
2016
MEDIA
BENZ & ZIEGLER
AREA
GFA 12.340 m²
PROJECT STATUS
Competition Entry
