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Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki

Part 2 Project 2025
Ignas Arlauskas
Vilnius Academy of Arts | Lithuania
Major historical events, like the Olympic Games, influence urban design — exemplified by the Helsinki Olympic Terminal, built in 1952. Still operating as a passenger terminal and serving as the first contact point for many arriving by sea, it holds significant cultural value. However, its current function no longer aligns with Helsinki’s vision to redefine its civic and public spaces.

Although various design competitions have addressed the site, the terminal itself has rarely been closely examined, often receiving only brief mentions. This project takes a different approach: rather than introducing new construction or drastic changes, it proposes preserving the existing structure and repurposing it. The concept is based on preserving the existing space and adapting it for a new function, using principles of sustainable architecture. This strategy offers a sustainable, context-sensitive solution rooted in Helsinki’s identity. The proposal maintains the terminal’s original spatial framework and silhouette, while adapting parts of the interior to modern museum standards. Finishes such as natural Finnish stone foster a tangible connection to the national landscape.By blending historical memory with contemporary use, the terminal becomes more than a reused building—it transforms into a civic landmark, reflecting Finnish design values: continuity, character, and sense of place.


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2025
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