Cossement Cardoso’s proposal for Helsinki’s Design and Architecture Museum earned the second prize in the international competition for the city’s historic South Harbour site . The design envisions a sleek, translucent skin of textured glass that wraps the building, allowing natural light to filter softly while maintaining a sense of privacy for the collections inside . This glass façade creates a luminous envelope that changes tone throughout the day, turning the museum into a cultural beacon perched at the threshold between land and sea .
The most striking feature is the undulating roof that sweeps upward like billowing sails, echoing Helsinki’s maritime heritage and its iconic skyline . The curved form not only provides an eye‑catching silhouette but also serves practical purposes: it channels rainwater into a hidden collection system and creates sheltered outdoor terraces for visitors to enjoy views of the harbor. The roof’s gentle arc reinforces the museum’s role as a bridge between the city’s historic past and its forward‑looking design future .
Designer Name: Cossement Cardoso (visuals by Imagens Do Bernardo)
Materiality lies at the heart of Cardoso’s concept. The textured glass panels are engineered to diffuse glare while preserving interior security, offering a balanced play of opacity and transparency . Sustainable considerations are woven throughout the design, from the use of high‑performance glazing that reduces heating demands to the incorporation of renewable energy sources on the roof’s surface. The architect’s team describes the approach as “experimental and sustainable,” aiming to set a benchmark for environmentally responsible cultural institutions.
Beyond its visual impact, the museum’s layout is organized to foster interaction between design, architecture, and the public. Flexible exhibition spaces are arranged along a central spine that follows the curvature of the roof, allowing curators to adapt galleries for a wide range of installations, including classic design retrospectives to immersive digital experiences. Public areas such as cafés, workshops, and a rooftop observation deck are positioned to encourage community engagement and to make the museum a lively urban hub.
The project also responds to Helsinki’s urban fabric. By situating the museum on the South Harbour, Cardoso’s design creates a dialogue with nearby historic warehouses and contemporary waterfront developments. The glass skin reflects the surrounding water, integrating the building visually with its environment while still standing out as a modern landmark . This contextual sensitivity aligns with Helsinki’s broader vision of a city where heritage and innovation coexist harmoniously.
Cossement Cardoso’s award‑winning concept reimagines what a museum can be: a luminous, sustainable structure that celebrates design, respects its maritime context, and invites the public to explore creativity from every angle. If realized, the Design and Architecture Museum will not only enrich Helsinki’s cultural landscape but also set a new standard for museum architecture worldwide.
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