Our vision for the Guggenheim Helsinki experience consists of moments of illusion, bringing us closer to the boundless realm of “art”. Art deals with our spiritual needs, it is food for our soul beyond that of our basic functional needs. It exists beyond the physical realm and exists formlessly in the space between the viewer and the art piece. This museum should be a pedestal to display art, but also should contribute to the holistic experience of “art”, providing the city with a place to gather, to escape, to experience. An experience that detaches you from the physical world enhances the immersive experience of “Art”.
Illusion I: The Disappearing Museum
The building perches on the edge of the water, between the land and the water, looking back through the harbor at the city of Helsinki. Its presence serves to mediate art and its surroundings, city and nature, the physical and virtual. In order for it not to disrupt this relationship, a reflective belly is incorporated and carefully angled to reflect the water towards the park and vice versa.
Illusion II: Facade as Portal into the Virtual
Virtual, does not refer to the digital world alone. Through the use of reflective surfaces, the relationship of the park and the waterfront is preserved, creating different illusions as the viewer’s positions shifts. These illusionary experiences detach you from the physical world enhancing the immersive experience of “Art”, a brand new sensory experience.
“Artistic phenomena takes place simultaneously in two worlds: the realm of matter and that of mental imagery” (Juhani Pallasmaa). The facade design and material choice were carefully selected to mediate both the physical and digital realm. Despite the rough, shale exterior finish, remote sensor technology is placed on the facade of the museum, allowing real-time information to be superimposed through the use of personal devices, the extension of our sensory experiences today. With this, the museum can present tailored information for specific individuals – investors, tourists, academics, artists, etc.
Illusion III: The Gap
The gap, a sheltered public sculptural garden, is also visible within the atrium, both landscape and waterscape are visible to the interior audience at different angles and locations, acting as an anchor for the museum and also a fantastical backdrop for larger sculptures displayed within this space.
© 未/WAY Studio 2014
Typology：Art Museum
Client：SolomanGuggenheim Foundation
Location：Helsinki Port, Finland
Time：2014
Project Information
Site Area：18,580 sqm
Gross Floor Area：12,000 sqm
Building Height：15.9 m
WAY Studio design scope：Concept Design Competition
Design Team：
Zheng Tao，Fernie Lai，Alan Hung
Chen Jilin，Gao Cong
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