In order to achieve a result and to appraise the site, the prominence of architecture in the project demands from the beginning an operative policy which is able to measure the technical realizations with the need to protect the uses and the value of the landscape in the prominent waterfront site reserved by the City of Helsinki for the proposed museum. Inside of this frame, the research on sustainable solutions acquires even more relevance, both in terms of use/management and impact/valorization of the existing situation. Interpreting the competition brief, the project focuses on the enhancement of the qualities of the historic city, which are expressed from the intervention area and as condensed into it. At the same time the project highlights an utterly manifest urban centrality, whose meaning originates from the specific nature of the historic city and which might be able to interrelate a new offer of cultural activities with the economic possibilities linked to the development of the commercial and touristic sectors. Embracing the entire site (Eteläsatama, or South Harbor area, an urban space close to the historic city center and immediately visible to visitors arriving by sea), the nature and the form of the proposed structures are configurated like a part of a vast cityscape. However, inside of this complexity, the range of the project materials is limited and essential.
The great “U” section of the top, similar to an ancient wooden floating dock, contains the roof-plaza, an outdoor space for the display of sculptures and projects. The two wings of the main building are used to stage the temporary exhibitions. The great central place, in which is the entrance, supports social interaction and the complete experience of art, incorporating galleries, a flexible performance hall, educational space, a large café/bar and a smaller formal restaurant, administrative offices, practitioner spaces, collections storage, a retail store, and other facilities.
Above all, the project take into account the tradition of his historical place, and complies with all safety and facility requirements as set out for such sites. At the same time, the new museum might also became a new landmark and a symbol for the city.
