Cossement Cardoso and the Design and Architecture Museum in Helsinki: Integrating Beauty, Sustainability, and Urban Interaction

Facade and Glass Interface

Cossement Cardoso proposed for the Design and Architecture Museum in Helsinki a design characterized by an ornate glass facade that envelops the building. This envelope allows natural light to pass gently while maintaining the privacy of the internal collections. The glass also creates a shifting effect on the facade’s color throughout the day, making the museum appear as a cultural beacon along the waterfront.

Wavy Roof and Its Functional Purposes

One of the design’s most striking elements is the wavy roof, which rises fluidly, evoking Helsinki’s maritime heritage. This form is not only visually appealing but also serves practical functions: it channels rainwater to a hidden collection system and provides protected outdoor terraces where visitors can enjoy views of the harbor.

Connecting History and the Future

The subtle curves of the roof enhance the museum’s symbolic role as a link between the city’s historical past and its architectural and design future. In this way, the project combines aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, becoming an exemplar of integrating culture and design within a historic urban environment.

Materials and Their Role in Design

Materials lie at the heart of Cardoso’s architectural vision. The ornate glass panels not only beautify the facade but are designed to soften light glare while maintaining the safety of internal spaces, creating a delicate balance between transparency and privacy.
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Taken on: September 20, 2025

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