Kiasma - collage and architecture

Cross-Section 1 - Natural Light
Cross-Section 2 - Vertical Circulation
Cross-Section 3 - Ramp
KIASMA
Steven Holl - 1992-1998
Helsinki, Finland
Museum
Lunchtime . 15 June 2013
Adam Anzivino, Julia Badorrek, Josh Kieb
KIASMA :: STEVEN HOLL :: 1992-1998
Location: Helsinki, Finland
On a site once used as a public square, Kiasma
stands in close proximity to monuments, the Parliament
building, Helsinki Station, Finlandia Hall, and is
reflected in the Töölö Bay.
“The concept of Kiasma involves the intertwining
of the building’s mass with the geometry of
the city and landscape. Each are reflected in the
shape of the building.”
“‘The Helsinki Museum of Contemporary Art,
whose dominant figura of intertwined architecture
and landscape, nature and culture, incarnated in
the twin geometries that bodied forth the museum
complex’s original volume, seems almost didactic in
intent’.” -Abitare
The myriad variations of room size and form
allow a wide range of artists to come, work and
be displayed. Varied natural light directed by the
curved wall and folding forms, illuminates both upper
and lower levels. The twisting and curving form
of the building allows spaces for all kinds of visual
art, performing art, and seminars.
The project is made up of one smaller, rectilinear
block and another, bigger, curving block that
intersect. Circulatory routes mirror the folding, twisting
envelope in long, curved ramps, for a gradual,
yet ever-changing experience.
“Rather than imposing a style upon different
sites and climates, or pursued irrespective of
program, the unique character of a program and a
site becomes the starting point for an architectural
idea. While anchoring each work in its specific site
and circumstance, Steven Holl Architects endeavors
to obtain a deeper beginning in the experience
of time, space, light and materials.” – Steven Holl
Architects
1
2
3
Below: Interior Means of Vertical Circulation
1 Figure/Field
2 Overlapping Geometries
3 Form Diagram
4 Orthogonal/Organic Shift
5 Orthogonal/Organic Contrast
6 Resulting Shift in Form
4
5
6
Kiasmsa with Context
Interior Gallery Space

Chiasma - (noun)The point at which paired chromosomes remain in contact after crossing over during meiosis.
Kiasma