The Uusimuseo project was carried out as a comprehensive learning experience and participation process during the 2021-22 academic year. The project involved 20 students from Arkki’s advanced studies and 12 students from the youth group.

Initially, the focus was on how young people could participate in and influence various societal events, particularly the planning of the built environment and related discussions. What issues did they want to impact?

Next, students explored the ongoing architecture and design museum project through published materials. What would an interesting museum building look like from the perspective of young people? The theme was approached from multiple angles: the site and its spirit, massing and integration into the urban fabric, the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, entrances, various functions, and exhibitions. The students’ design processes resulted in a rich bank of ideas, which were presented to representatives of the Architecture and Design Learning Center A&DO and the Architecture and Design Museum project in the spring of 2022. The students’ thoughts and ideas generated interest.

The students’ process culminated in a workshop organized by A&DO on May 11, 2022, at the Design Museum. The workshop involved familiarizing participants with the planning of the future architecture and design museum and gathering young people’s thoughts and ideas about learning in the museum and the museum as an inspiring learning environment. At the same time, students were introduced to service design methods used in participatory planning and user- and activity-centered thinking. This provided Arkki students with a valuable opportunity to contribute to the creation of the museum’s functional concept alongside professionals in the field.

IN COLLABORATION WITH: Architecture Museum, Architecture and Design Learning Center A&DO, Finnish Architecture and Design Museum Foundation, and the Arkki School of Architecture for Children and Youth.