Finland’s new Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki is one step closer to reality, as 623 design entries have been submitted in an international open competition. Architect-led teams from around the world responded to the call, aiming to create a landmark building on Helsinki’s historic South Harbour. You can view submissions here.
The competition jury, made up of architects, cultural experts, and policymakers, will select three to five finalists to move on to Stage 2 of the competition, each receiving €50,000 to further develop their concepts.
The new Museum of Architecture and Design, set to open in 2030, will merge the Museum of Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki. The unified collection will feature over 900,000 artifacts that highlight the work of renowned figures such as Aino and Alvar Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Maija Isola, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, and Paavo Tynell, as well as iconic brands like Marimekko, Nokia, and Fiskars.
"The competition brief for Finland's new National Museum of Architecture and Design is an ambitious vision that embraces the museum's civic role in democratizing access to the tools of design,” says jury member Kaarina Gould, CEO of the Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Foundation. “We seek an architecturally unique building that meets high sustainability goals while being a welcoming and inspiring space — an active hub of engagement and creativity for many, and a place of calm and reflection for others. The jury has been deeply impressed by the thoughtful and innovative interpretations from architects and creative teams on how the new museum can best serve our communities.”
The competition is organized by the Real Estate Company ADM, owned by the city and state, and the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design. Funding is provided by the City of Helsinki, the Finnish government, and private foundations.
The competition continues with finalists to be announced in December 2024. The winning design will be chosen in September 2025.
The News 01/08/2025
Hinoki wood (Japanese cypress – Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a precious type of wood native to Japan, known for its light color, fine grain, and pleasant natural aroma. Thanks to its antibacterial, moisture-resistant, and heat-resistant properties, Hinoki has long been used in traditional architecture, such as temples, onsen bathtubs, and especially saunas. With its calming fragrance and exceptional durability, Hinoki is increasingly favored in modern bathroom design, offering a luxurious and serene experience for users.
The News 22/07/2025
In the context of rapid urbanization, localized flooding and water pollution are becoming increasingly severe, particularly due to stormwater runoff on impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Permeable pavers have emerged as an advanced, environmentally friendly construction material designed to reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants at the source. Not only do these pavers allow for rapid water drainage, but they also act as a primary filter that traps dust, heavy metals, and vehicle-related contaminants, thus improving urban environmental quality. This material is a part of the new wave of sustainable construction trends, widely adopted in developed countries but still relatively new in Vietnam.
The News 11/07/2025
In the era of digital technology and the explosive growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), architecture is no longer merely the art of construction—it has evolved into an intelligent ecosystem, where buildings can sense, analyze, and respond to their environment. One of the most advanced solutions driving breakthroughs in modern construction is the sensor-embedded brick with integrated circuits. This is no longer a passive traditional building material, but rather a “sensing brick,” equipped with internal sensors and processing microchips capable of measuring temperature, humidity, vibration, and impact forces, and wirelessly transmitting data in real-time. The application of this technology in construction not only enhances the ability to monitor structural safety but also unlocks the potential for smart, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings. This topic aims to clarify the role of integrating sensors and microchips into building bricks, the manufacturing process, and notable practical applications.
The News 03/07/2025
The rapid growth of the construction industry has significantly contributed to global resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the search for environmentally friendly alternative materials has become a critical necessity. One promising direction is the use of mycelium bio bricks, a type of bio composite material that can self grow and bind organic substrates.
The News 30/06/2025
3D concrete tiles are a modern type of building and decorative material, made from concrete or geopolymer, with a raised three-dimensional surface featuring geometric, natural, or artistic patterns. Thanks to their strong visual effects, 3D concrete tiles not only provide high aesthetic value but also help improve sound insulation, thermal resistance, and waterproofing. With advantages in durability, ease of construction, and environmental friendliness, especially when combined with recycled materials such as ground brick waste, 3D concrete tiles are becoming an ideal material solution for both interior and exterior modern spaces.
The News 25/06/2025
Amid rapid urbanization and rising aesthetic demands in modern construction, smart and sustainable materials are gradually replacing traditional solutions. Among them, luminescent concrete has emerged as an innovative trend that combines lighting functionality with the mechanical durability of conventional concrete. Not only does it offer a distinctive visual appeal, but it also enhances safety, conserves energy, and improves spatial efficiency in low-light environments. With vast potential for applications in transportation infrastructure, landscape architecture, and smart urban design, this material is paving the way for new directions in the construction industry during the era of green technology.
Members