At first glance, the Artek Convergence Gallery appears to be a dark mass of sculpture, starkly contrasting the Helsinki landscape. A concrete facade peels its corners away, inviting the viewer to discover its interior. The meandering walkways lead up and towards the entrance. Upon entering the gallery, a vast bright space with exposed wood structure and light concrete walls is revealed.
The divided zones of gallery space, a central atrium, a garden area, and a cafe are carefully transitioned into one another through varied elements of light, elevation, and material. The curvature defined on the exterior is continued throughout the building, creating movement and defining space. The Artek Convergence Gallery, although appearing to contrast its environment on the outside, unifies itself with the city through the interior creating experiences of warmth, community, discovery, and immersion.
