NMAD in Helsinki
ADAT
Helsinki, Finland
2024
We had the privilege of creating the visual presentation for ADAT Studio's proposal in the international competition for Helsinki's New Museum of Architecture and Design, an ambitious cultural project envisioned as a new landmark for the city. Titled "A Warm Invitation Amidst the Cold," the design offers a contemporary and dynamic space that celebrates architecture, design, and the spirit of Helsinki itself.
Situated along the city’s picturesque waterfront, the museum is conceived as a vital link between Helsinki’s rich architectural heritage and its innovative future. The building is carefully designed to embrace its surroundings, fostering a deep connection with the urban landscape and the sea. Through the transformative use of natural light and meticulously framed views, the project creates an ever-changing experience that shifts with the time of day and the seasons, mirroring the unique Nordic environment.
At its heart, the museum functions as a multi-layered urban gallery, a place where visitors can engage with exhibitions, creative workshops, and public events in an open and inviting setting. The architecture encourages movement and interaction, with fluid transitions between interior and exterior spaces that enhance the experience of both the building and its waterfront location.
Public plazas and landscaped terraces seamlessly extend the museum’s reach, creating welcoming gathering spaces for both residents and visitors.
One of the most striking features of the design is its rooftop terrace, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Helsinki’s skyline and the vast expanse of the sea.
This elevated public space provides a moment of pause and reflection, reinforcing the museum’s role as a cultural beacon within the city. More than just a building, the project aspires to become a dynamic hub for creativity, learning, and exchange—a place where history and contemporary design come together to inspire future generations.
With its visionary approach and deep sensitivity to Helsinki’s identity, ADAT Studio’s proposal seeks to redefine the relationship between culture, nature, and the built environment, enriching the city’s waterfront and reinforcing its position as a global center for architecture and design.


