JKMM wins competition for Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design

Helsinki-based JKMM Architects has been awarded first prize in the international design competition for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design. The firm’s proposal, titled Kumma, was selected from 624 submissions in an anonymous process launched in April 2024.

In June, we reported on the shortlist of five anonymous designs for the project, challenging readers to identify the architects of each scheme. We can now reveal that second place was awarded to the project City, Sea and Sky by Portugal and Belgium-based Cossement Cardoso. Third prize went to Swiss-based Lopes Brenna for their entry Moby, while fourth place went to the entry Tyrsky, designed by a collective of Finnish practices including Kerttu Snäkin from Architect SAFA, Henri Vierimaa, Petra Matikka, Minttumeri Hirsimaa, and Emilia Åman. Fifth place went to the entry Tau designed by French studio Atelier Orda.

JKMM’s winning scheme will be constructed on Helsinki’s South Harbor waterfront, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion planned for 2030. The new museum will merge Finland’s Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Design Museum, serving as a central hub for design, architecture, and cultural exchange.

The design of the winning scheme seeks to emphasize openness and adaptability. The museum is envisioned as a “house of design and planning for everyone,” offering spaces for learning, research, collaboration, and community activities. The proposal features flexible, multi-use interiors aimed at accommodating exhibitions, workshops, and events while maintaining a welcoming and accessible atmosphere.

The scheme’s massing comprises a low-lying, sculptural profile defined by inclined faces and divided massing. The building’s facade will be clad in light off-white brickwork made from reused materials, connecting it to nearby modernist landmarks such as Alvar Aalto’s office building and the Palace Hotel. The museum’s height of 59 feet integrates with Helsinki’s existing urban fabric while establishing a distinct new presence on the harborfront.