Extension between the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland

competitions Site Internet http://www.alvaraalto.fi/ruusupuisto Publié le 10/08/2015: Extension between the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland

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The museums of the Jyväskylä Ruusupuisto area, Alvar Aalto museum and the Museum of Central Finland, are both significant works of architect Alvar Aalto. The goal of the competition is to create a design for an extension to connect the two museums in a way that represents the high architectural level of the place.

The new extension will have to adapt to its worthy environment in a balanced way, and to find a natural connection with the architecture of Alvar Aalto (1898–1976).

The new extension between the museums will serve as a connecting gateway between the museums, as a shared museum shop and as a technical space. The extension will enable the shared use of the already existing exhibition spaces, the passenger elevator, the auditorium, the cafeteria and the workroom spaces. The functionality of the spaces is an essential part of the high level design requirements.

Background

The Museum of Central Finland is a cultural-historic museum. The museum serves both as the provincial museum of Central Finland and the town museum of Jyväskylä. In addition to the exhibitions, the museum carries out research of its field, collects archives, provides education and fosters the research and inventorying of the build heritage and cultural environment.

The history of the Museum of Central Finland dates back to 1932, when the museum was opened and administered by the Museum Association of Central Finland, which had been established a year before. The museum building designed by Alvar Aalto, was opened in 1961. It is situated in Ruusupuisto, in an area called Älylä, which has been named by the teachers who used to live in the area. In 1989-1990 an extension was build to the museum. The extension and the renovation done at the same time was designed by Alvar Aalto & Co. Elissa Aalto being in charge of the project.

The Association of the Alvar Aalto museum was founded in 1966. The museum began operating in 1969, and the museum building designed by Alvar Aalto opened in 1973. Also the Alvar Aalto Foundation was founded in 1969. From the year 1998, the museum and the foundation have been operating as one single organisation. The foundation operates in two cities, Jyväskylä and Helsinki, where it is the custodian of four buildings that are open to the public.

Awards

1st prize - 14,000 EUR
2nd prize - 7,000 EUR
3rd prize - 5,000 EUR