The building has a wedge-shaped, tapering base. Its distinctive form preserves sightlines between the waterfront and Tähtitorninvuori Park, while the interiors offer sweeping views of the surroundings. The façades are constructed from recycled light-coloured brick and are topped by a large maritime rootop terrace.
As Moby’s floor area occupies only a portion of the plot, its excessive height presents a challenge for the museum’s context. The façades are overly closed, particularly along Market Square, and the building’s heavy, enclosed street-level presence conveys the impression of a traditional, less approachable institution. Furthermore, the interior spaces are not functionally integrated with the surrounding public realm.
The jury praised the proposal for introducing a fresh urban design concept. Nevertheless, the design has not been sufficiently refined in Stage 2. It remains too closed off, falling short of the openness expected for a downtown museum. Further development should focus on lightening the massing, opening the façades at street level, and improving circulation to create a warmer, more inviting public space. Moby’s carbon and energy efficiency calculations have been carried out with exemplary diligence and convincingly meet the targets stated in the brief.
