The Glow of HAM, Spatial service design concept for course Exhibition Design (MA), Group work with Tiina Malinen, Paula Vilpas and Rosa-Maria Majuri, Spring 2022

HAMin Hehku

The assignment

The task was to find new use for a corner space of Helsinki Art Museum (HAM).

The project started by analysing the existing use and elements of the space and mirroring them to the wishes of the users of the space as well as the values, mission and vision of the museum. Important aspects to examine were also the central location in the city and the architectural history of the building.

The background research

As the background research we looked into HAM values, mission and concept and aimed to define the future needs. In addition, we studied the history of the famous Tennispalatsi building, where the museum is located right now.

The concept outcome

Our idea was to create a space that brings art more available in a new ways and also brings people together to bond. Since food and beverages ease the connections, we included a cafe. HAM’s opening hours are quite short, so we wanted to create a whole new timetable. Within that timetable there are different art activities and one of them is the guided backpack-tour, to visit e.g. outdoor art and exhibitions.

HAM Backpack tours

Part of our concept was HAM backpacks for art tours. Idea was to market the museum by spreading the HAM’s colourful striped backpacks around the center of Helsinki. With the backpack there would be an app to follow the tour, see schedules for events in HAMin Hehku and other necessary info.

Picture made by Tiina Malinen and Paula Vilpas.

Picture made by Paula Vilpas.

The design of the space and visualisations

For the actual design, we wanted to extend the HAM brand colours and style to the space and the backpacks, since the space is actually a part of HAM. Added colours, textures and products have been chosen to fit to existing palette.

With spatial planning we aimed to enhance the existing and make the now quite dark and uninviting space more pleasant with little things such as lighting, thoughtfully placed seating and better signage.