We propose museums as institutions that honour their role as preservers of cultural heritage while inspiring visitors to explore. Our projects are based on the principle that architecture should be a framework for content – not a distraction, but an enhancement of the experience. We work with a clear spatial layout that supports the natural movement of visitors and allows for flexible curatorial use.
Architecture in dialogue with the city
We see the current museums as an active part of the city. That is why in the design we put emphasis on the connection of the interior with the public space, open parterres and natural passages that attract passers-by to enter. We strive to make the building come alive outside opening hours – for example, by offering outdoor exhibitions, interior views or accessible roofs and terraces.
A framework for collections and public life
The architecture of the museum should not only be a framework for the collections, but also an active part of the city. For us, this means creating spaces that are flexible, user-friendly and responsive to different types of exhibitions and public events. Well-designed museums attract not only art lovers but also the wider public.
Sustainability and material quality
Sustainability and resilience play a vital role in all our projects. We design museums with an emphasis on energy efficiency, quality construction and materials that age with grace. We believe that the long-term value of a building is not only based on its appearance, but also on how it stands up over time.
Example: the Sara Hildén Art Museum
Our participation in the international competition at the Sara Hildén Art Museum in Tampere was not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to connect the historical context with modern architecture. The new gallery building is set in the porous complex of the former Finlayson factory, where its position on the western edge of the site symbolically encloses the site and creates a new gateway. The location along Kuninkaankatu Street forms a new public park that serves as a foyer in front of the museum and maintains visual contact with the historic Finlayson Palace. The design divides the gallery into two interconnected volumes linked by a footbridge, which references the industrial heritage of the site and also acts as a distinctive entrance feature. The ground floor is as open as possible to seamlessly connect to the public space, while the upper floors form an enclosed mass relieved by a large semi-transparent window that can also serve as a projection area.
Importance to the local community and visitors
We believe that museums are not just for collections – they are for people. That’s why each of our designs thinks about the visitor experience from the first step into the square to the last view out of the exhibition. We want the building to inspire, open dialogue and create new ways of meeting. This means not only functional and aesthetic design, but also working sensitively with atmosphere, light and acoustics.
Museums as an investment in the future
To design a museum is to create a space that will stand the test of time. Our museums are designed to be flexible for different types of exhibitions and cultural events, while remaining architecturally timeless. We believe that quality architecture in cultural institutions strengthens a city’s identity and contributes to its long-term attractiveness.
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