JKMM Architects has emerged as the winner in the global design contest for Finland's new Museum of Architecture and Design located in Helsinki.  

The JKMM proposal, named Kumma, was chosen as the design for the new 10,000m² museum building at South Harbour. 

The competition kicked off in April 2024 and progressed through two phases before reaching its conclusion on 11 September at Helsinki City Hall.  

Out of the 624 designs submitted internationally, only five made it to the final round. 

The selection panel reached a consensus on JKMM’s Kumma for its integration with South Harbour's historic milieu.  

It preserves key sightlines from Tähtitorninvuori park to Market Square and Katajanokka while introducing a distinct architectural feature to the area.  

The design features a recycled brick façade with an encompassing terrace and sculptural elements. 

JKMM founding partner and principal designer Samuli Miettinen said: “I hope that the planning and realisation of the new Museum of Architecture and Design can show the way for how new things can be built responsibly and with skill.  

“Architecture and design are deeply human - they are born from dreams and longing, and they gain their meaning in the places where we can experience and live together.” 
 
The second prize was awarded to Cossement Cardoso from Portugal-Belgium for its design City, Sky and Sea. 
 
Swiss company Lopes Brenna received third place for Moby. The Finnish team behind Tyrsky secured fourth, and the jury also purchased the Tau proposal from French office Atelier Orda. 
 
The team behind JKMM’s winning proposal include Akukon, Afry, Bauhow, Granlund, MIR, Pentagon Design, and Ramboll Finland. 
 
The next phase involves developing Kumma into a detailed executable plan with input from future museum users and sustainability specialists. 
 
The new Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki’s South Harbour is expected to open by 2030.