Nodus, Latin for knot or tie, binds a variety of architecture and design exhibitions into one museum. The name is also a reference to the maritime influences and overall mass of the building. Like a giant piece of rope, it forms a loop that hides a lush garden and outdoor exhibition area into its hem.
The museum tour starts in the first-floor lobby, where the two ends of the rope meet. The tour ends three floors higher in the periscope, that also hosts the museum restaurant. As a tribute to the city, the periscope gazes towards the historic centrum of Helsinki.
The building consists of concrete structure with steel enforcements where needed. Facades are covered with an opaque shell, a steel structure with perforated metal panels. The transparency of the panels changes, letting in the light and views where needed.
Three skylights create a unique atmosphere to the museum. Special attention has been paid to form spatial connections between floors. Exhibition halls as well as workspaces are based on an open plan and can be rearranged regarding to the needs of each show or user. When more intimate spaces are needed to show smaller objects, temporary walls can be made in the museum’s very own workshop.
