London Design Silver

2025

Guggenheim Museum-Near Figure

Entrant Company

Meng Zhao

Category

Architectural Design - Conceptual 

Client's Name

Country / Region

Finland

The Guggenheim Museum in Finland explores the concept of "Near Figure" in architecture, an idea that engages with the critical state between identifiable and unidentifiable forms. This project delves into the tension of architectural progression, capturing a transitional phase where space and form exist in a state of both static and dynamic potential. Through this exploration, the museum represents an evolving symbol of the future of architectural trends.



The "Near Figure" concept arises from the idea of geometric intentionality, where shapes and forms convey a sense of purpose but are deliberately left in a state that resists complete resolution. This ambiguity allows for a new type of legibility—one that emerges gradually as the viewer engages with the structure. The transformation of basic geometries, particularly the cube, symbolizes progressiveness and the exploration of architectural meaning beyond traditional forms.



The material choice of concrete plays a central role in this project. Its malleability offers the flexibility to express the tension between clarity and abstraction, making it an ideal medium to embody the critical state of architectural form. Concrete allows for the fluidity of shape transitions, highlighting the project’s exploration of thresholds and the notion of purpose in design.



Through these design principles, the Guggenheim Museum in Finland pushes the boundaries of contemporary architecture, offering a new approach to how meaning is communicated through form, space, and material. It symbolizes a shift in architectural thought—moving beyond conventional structures toward more conceptual, evolving expressions of purpose and identity in architecture.

Credits

Meng Zhao
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