In a highly competitive international design contest, JKMM Architects were recently declared the winners to lead the creation of Finland’s new Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki. Emerging ahead of 623 other submissions, the Finnish-based firm’s visionary proposal “Kumma” stood out for its seamless blend of innovative architectural expression, sustainable design elements, and cultural responsiveness to Helsinki’s historic South Harbour. The project, slated for completion in 2030, is positioned not just as a museum but as a major cultural landmark, intended to elevate Finland’s status in contemporary architecture and design while invigorating the local urban waterfront.
Short on time? Here’s the key to know:
- ✅ JKMM Architects’ Kumma proposal won the international open and anonymous competition held in 2024.
- ✅ The new museum will occupy 10,050 square meters on Helsinki’s South Harbour, harmonizing heritage and innovation.
- ✅ The design emphasizes public accessibility while showcasing Finland’s rich design legacy including works by Aalto, Saarinen, and Marimekko.
- ✅ Construction starts in 2027 with a public opening scheduled for 2030.
JKMM Architects’ Winning Design: A New Architectural Identity for Helsinki’s South Harbour
JKMM Architects has developed a concept that redefines Helsinki’s South Harbour skyline with a carefully considered, low-rise pavilion-type building dubbed “Kumma.” Conceptualized with an innovative triangular footprint, Kumma balances a contemporary aesthetic with historic contextual sensitivity. The architects prioritized maintaining cherished sightlines and urban connections, notably preserving views from Tähtitorninvuori park toward Market Square and Katajanokka. The concept also introduces diagonally stepped walls and triangular facades that extend seamlessly into the interior spatial arrangement, uniting exterior form with functional interior design.
JKMM Architects, founded in 1998, brings a wealth of experience from previous nationally significant projects including Amos Rex museum and Finland’s pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, positioning them well to handle this landmark. Their multidisciplinary collaborator team features industry leaders Akukon, Granlund, MIR, Pentagon Design, and Ramboll Finland, highlighting a commitment to robust sustainability and innovative engineering solutions. The jury praised the design for its clarity and ability to integrate within Helsinki’s historic urban fabric while still commanding distinction as a prominent public architecture symbol.
The design strategically connects to the waterfront, capitalizing on the South Harbour’s prominence through a large sea-facing terrace that smoothly transitions into an outdoor gallery and balcony space. These features enhance visitor engagement by providing versatile programmatic opportunities and immersive connections to Helsinki’s maritime context, making the building itself an active participant in the cultural experience.
- ✳️ Distinctive low-rise pavilion with triangular base
- ✳️ Preserves key sightlines of historical importance
- ✳️ Seamless exterior-interior architectural motifs
- ✳️ Integration of sustainable design and engineering
- ✳️ Expansive outdoor terraces extending toward the sea
| Feature 🏛️ | Detail 📌 |
|---|---|
| Building Size | 10,050 m² cultural institution |
| Location | South Harbour, Helsinki waterfront |
| Project Timeline | Construction begins 2027, completion in 2030 |
| Design Approach | Low-rise pavilion, triangular form, stepped facades |
| Collaborators | Akukon, Granlund, MIR, Pentagon Design, Ramboll Finland |
The Cultural and Historical Role of the New Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design
Set to open in 2030, this flagship museum will enrich Finland’s nationally and internationally significant design heritage by consolidating a vast collection of over 900,000 artefacts, comprising objects, models, correspondence, and photographs. These artefacts chronicle the evolution of Finnish and Nordic design, featuring iconic figures and brands such as Aino & Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen, Maija Isola, Paavo Tynell, Marimekko, Nokia, and Fiskars.
This museum is conceived not merely as an exhibition space but as a dynamic hub that fosters design education, research, and public engagement. As part of its mission to “democratize the tools of design,” it will integrate a design library, educational programs, and international collaborations. Public amenities including a summer terrace invite visitors to experience design within both indoor and outdoor environments.
Furthermore, it offers a cutting-edge platform for showcasing contemporary design innovations while maintaining strong ties to regional cultural identity. This approach aligns with global trends emphasizing museums’ roles as accessible spaces that promote cultural dialogue through curated, inclusive, and technologically supported exhibitions.
- 🖼️ Comprehensive collection exceeding 900,000 artefacts
- 🖼️ Focus on iconic Finnish and Nordic design legacy
- 🖼️ Integration of educational and research functions
- 🖼️ Strong emphasis on public accessibility and engagement
- 🖼️ Inclusion of international programs and partnerships
| Category 🏷️ | Contents 📚 |
|---|---|
| Historic Collections | Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen, Paavo Tynell |
| Contemporary Brands | Marimekko, Nokia, Fiskars |
| Exhibition Facilities | Modern galleries, design library, outdoor terraces |
| Public Programs | Educational workshops, international design events |
Positioning in the International Museum Landscape
JKMM Architects’ project corresponds with a global wave of cultural infrastructure investments illustrated by world-renowned firms such as OMA, Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), Herzog & de Meuron, Snøhetta, Gensler, Grimshaw, and SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill). These practitioners, like JKMM, blend architectural innovation with sustainability and urban integration, setting contemporary standards for museum design globally.
In this context, JKMM’s accomplishment signifies Finland’s rising prominence alongside major urban centers. The museum will join a collective of institutions driving innovative cultural experiences, fostering community engagement, and leveraging technology-enhanced visitor services – domains where Grupem’s smart tourism solutions excel. This synergy underlines the growing intersection between architectural excellence and the digital transformation of museum visitor experiences.
- 🌐 Alignment with prominent global architecture practices
- 🌐 Enhancement of Helsinki’s international cultural footprint
- 🌐 Integration of design and digital visitor engagement technologies
Technical Innovation, Sustainability, and Visitor Experience in Kumma’s Design
JKMM Architects have emphasized not just aesthetic and cultural factors but also rigorous technological and sustainability aspects to future-proof the museum. Collaborations with engineering and design firms such as Akukon and Ramboll Finland ensure that the building will meet contemporary standards for energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and resilient construction.
The project incorporates recycled brick facade elements that echo Helsinki’s architectural vernacular, demonstrating a commitment to circular economy principles. The design also includes optimized daylighting strategies via the stepped facade geometry, minimizing artificial lighting dependence and enhancing visitor comfort.
One of the project’s highlights is a large central staircase integrated into the triangular building form, serving as both a circulation element and a spatial focal point. This design boosts wayfinding clarity and encourages spontaneous visitor interaction, crucial components of effective visitor experience management.
Additionally, the museum’s outdoor terrace space serves multipurpose functions, from informal social gatherings and bookstore activations to design workshops and festivals. These features align with contemporary museum trends that prioritize versatility and multisensory visitor engagement.
- ⚙️ Energy-efficient design with sustainable material use
- ⚙️ Innovative reuse of recycled brick facade
- ⚙️ Enhanced natural daylighting via architectural geometry
- ⚙️ Spatial design facilitating intuitive visitor paths
- ⚙️ Multipurpose terraces supporting community programming
| Innovation Aspect 🧪 | Design Feature 🔍 |
|---|---|
| Facade Material | Recycled brick echoing Helsinki’s urban fabric |
| Lighting | Stepped walls optimize daylight penetration |
| Visitor Flow | Central staircase as a social hub |
| Outdoor Use | Terrace as gallery, event, and leisure space |
Implications for Smart Tourism and Digital Mediation in Museum Environments
The new Museum of Architecture and Design will offer exceptional opportunities to apply and demonstrate advancements in smart tourism technology. Integrating solutions like Grupem’s professional mobile guide app can transform visitor engagement into a highly personalized and accessible experience aligned with the museum’s inclusive ethos.
As visitor expectations advance towards seamless, immersive, and digitally enhanced cultural experiences, the design’s physical openness combined with innovative interpretive tools will be critical. Technologies including location-based audio guides, augmented reality overlays, and accessibility features can complement JKMM’s flexible spatial layout to offer diverse visitor journeys.
Moreover, the museum’s mission of democratizing design tools aligns well with contemporary mediations that leverage multilayered narratives and participatory practices. Smart tech platforms can empower institutions to reach broader audiences, including multilingual and impaired visitors, while optimizing on-site visitor flow and engagement analytics.
- 📱 Integration of smart audio and multimedia guide systems
- 📱 Use of augmented reality to enrich exhibition narratives
- 📱 Accessibility solutions supporting diverse visitor needs
- 📱 Data-driven insights to optimize visitor flow and experience
- 📱 Opportunities for continuous digital content updates and audience engagement
A recent case study published by Grupem underlines the importance of early technology integration for museum projects to ensure quality experiences from opening day – a best practice that Helsinki’s new museum can benefit from. Incorporating these strategies will position the Museum of Architecture and Design as a pioneer both architecturally and technologically.
Comparative Analysis with Other Notable Museum Projects
The competition attracted diverse submissions from international firms, including leading names like OMA, Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), Herzog & de Meuron, Snøhetta, Gensler, Grimshaw, and SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), highlighting a global interest in cultural design investment.
JKMM’s victory reflects a strong preference for a design that embodies local identity and sustainability over signature iconic forms that some competing firms offered. The project thus aligns with a contemporary architectural discourse emphasizing contextual integration and user experience over monumental ostentation.
This comparison underscores evolving priorities in museum architecture: from pure visual spectacle to multi-dimensional cultural institutions that fuse design innovation, ecological responsibility, and community engagement.
- 🌍 International design competition embraced openness and anonymity
- 🌍 JKMM’s design favored contextual harmony and visitor-centric approach
- 🌍 Global top-tier firms participated, affirming the project’s prestige
- 🌍 Trend towards sustainable, accessible, and flexible museum spaces
| Architect Firm 🏗️ | Competition Proposal Approach 🎨 |
|---|---|
| JKMM Architects | Contextual integration, sustainability, flexible public spaces |
| OMA | Iconic monumental design, global architectural language |
| Zaha Hadid Architects | Fluid, sculptural forms emphasizing futuristic appeal |
| Foster + Partners | High-tech, sustainable building technologies |
| BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) | Playful forms, sustainable urbanism |
This project’s trajectory from competition to completion promises to set a benchmark for future museum architecture and smart visitor engagement. The collaboration between architectural innovation and smart technologies, such as those exemplified by Grupem, will enhance cultural mediation quality and accessibility significantly.
What are the anticipated visitor benefits of JKMM Architects’ design?
The design promotes intuitive navigation, flexible exhibition spaces, and strong connections to nature and urban fabric. Visitors will benefit from a rich, immersive experience combining cutting-edge digital mediation and the tangible heritage collection, making cultural access more engaging and inclusive.
How does JKMM’s design address sustainability?
Sustainability is embedded throughout, from recycled facade materials to energy-efficient lighting design. These features reduce environmental impact while creating a comfortable, visually inspiring environment.
Why is the competition’s anonymous format significant?
The anonymous entry ensured selections were based on design merit alone, fostering a fair and unbiased assessment amid heavy international participation.
What role will digital technology play in enhancing the museum experience?
Advanced digital tools will enable personalized, multi-sensory visitor engagement, real-time information delivery, and wider accessibility, supporting the museum’s mission of democratizing design knowledge.
How does the new museum contribute to Helsinki’s urban development?
The project activates the South Harbour area by creating a vibrant cultural focal point that integrates seamlessly with historic and natural surroundings, boosting tourism and local community engagement.
