A design entered for an International design competition for a new link between two buildings by the great Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – the Alvar Aalto Museum and The Museum of Central Finland in Jyväskylä.
The brief called for the new extension between the museums to serve as a connecting gateway between the museums, as a shared museum shop and as a technical space. The extension would enable the shared use of the already existing exhibition spaces, passenger elevator, auditorium, cafeteria and the workroom spaces. The functionality of the spaces was an essential part of the high level design requirements.
Aalto Museum Link
Our proposal sought to create a ‘jewel’ between the two museum buildings. An object-like, yet recessive building with a strong cubic form that sought to complement the existing architecture, not compete with it. Set at 45 degrees to the existing buildings, the new twisted ‘box’ creates its own identity without visually joining its neighbours. The ‘box’ and is made from laminated timber fins, clad externally in patinated copper, between tall glass panels to flood the interior in light.
At night, or indeed the long dark days of winter in this part of the world, it would appear as a lantern. At ground and lower ground floors, the plans connect the different levels between the museums in a swirling plan that creates a galleried circulation space and bookshop.
| Client | The Alvar Aalto Foundation and the City of Jyväskylä |
| Status | Competition |
