The proposal positions the Helsinki Guggenheim as a 21st-century urban catalyst, bridging the Eteläsatama harbor with Tahititornin Vuori Park through an elevated civic plaza, a suspended port extension, and three fragmented mass-timber museum volumes.
Guggenheim Plaza (+9.6m): Aligned with Bernhardinkatu Street, the raised civic deck provides panoramic views of the South Harbor. A footbridge links Tahititornin Vuori Park to the museum cluster. The plaza accommodates year-round public programming, including winter ice-skating rinks, outdoor cinema, and seasonal markets.
Seasonal Dual-Zone Cluster: Activity is divided vertically across seasons: open-air social events occupy the elevated Plaza during summer, while the lower Flexible Performance Area (+3.1m) anchors educational workshops and multimedia installations during winter.
Scenography Pockets: Circulation corridors around the performance area incorporate projection walls, interactive surfaces, and an integrated stair-bench that extends from the interior out into the courtyard.
Gallery & Programmatic Infrastructure
Chimney Galleries: Exhibition spaces are organized vertically across two timber masses, featuring variable ceiling heights (4–6m up to 9–13m) and inclined walls for digital and contemporary art. A central multi-purpose zone provides a 20-meter clear height filled with zenithal daylight.
Belvedere Restaurant: Perched on the top level above the entrance hall, offering dual vistas of the Helsinki city center and Eteläsatama harbor. Designed with independent off-hours access via an exterior inclined elevator.
Guggenheim Plaza (+9.6m): Aligned with Bernhardinkatu Street, the raised civic deck provides panoramic views of the South Harbor. A footbridge links Tahititornin Vuori Park to the museum cluster. The plaza accommodates year-round public programming, including winter ice-skating rinks, outdoor cinema, and seasonal markets.
Seasonal Dual-Zone Cluster: Activity is divided vertically across seasons: open-air social events occupy the elevated Plaza during summer, while the lower Flexible Performance Area (+3.1m) anchors educational workshops and multimedia installations during winter.
Scenography Pockets: Circulation corridors around the performance area incorporate projection walls, interactive surfaces, and an integrated stair-bench that extends from the interior out into the courtyard.
Gallery & Programmatic Infrastructure
Chimney Galleries: Exhibition spaces are organized vertically across two timber masses, featuring variable ceiling heights (4–6m up to 9–13m) and inclined walls for digital and contemporary art. A central multi-purpose zone provides a 20-meter clear height filled with zenithal daylight.
Belvedere Restaurant: Perched on the top level above the entrance hall, offering dual vistas of the Helsinki city center and Eteläsatama harbor. Designed with independent off-hours access via an exterior inclined elevator.
Client
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Program
Exhibition galleries, Flexible performance/conference hall, Multifunction classroom, Atrium, project space, Museum and design store, Cafe, Formal restaurant, Administration office,Sculpture terrace, Public plaza
Partner in charge
Toshihiro KUBOTA
Perspectives
Jigen
Intern
Andrea NG
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Program
Exhibition galleries, Flexible performance/conference hall, Multifunction classroom, Atrium, project space, Museum and design store, Cafe, Formal restaurant, Administration office,Sculpture terrace, Public plaza
Partner in charge
Toshihiro KUBOTA
Perspectives
Jigen
Intern
Andrea NG