Details

Area. Work on building the museum began in 1996, with a budget of FIM 227 million (EUR 38 million). The gross floor area is about 12,000 m2, of which the exhibition spaces account for 9,200 m2.

Light. One of the key elements of Kiasma is light. The building has a great number of transparent surfaces. The big double-curved glass wall is made from glass planks, which are mainly used in industrial buildings. The greenish element has been removed from the building's glass walls and gallery windows in order to ensure that the light entering is natural daylight. The amount of light is controlled electronically to take into account seasonal and daily fluctuations. Because of the curved roof, the 'bow-tie' windows presented a challenge for the builders. The artificial lighting was designed by Hervé Descottes (L’Observatoire International, Paris, New York) together with Steven Holl and Vesa Honkonen. Julle Oksanen provided technical assistance in the details. All special lights in the public areas are based on sketches by Steven Holl. For example, his line is visible in the sandblasted aluminium lights and in the 'flowing ice' on the café ceiling.

Scale. The scaling in Kiasma is based on the dimensions of the human body. One of the basic dimensions employed by Steven Holl is 165 centimetres, the viewing height. The height and width of the doors, the square pattern on the sliding doors and the scaling of spaces are based on the golden section.

Furniture and fittings. Steven Holl has also designed many of the details, such as wall hooks and door handles. The tables and green chairs in the cafe are designed by Vesa Honkonen. The unique Star Trek highchairs are designed by Stefan Lindfors.

Pool. The water motif, which is a central element in the exterior design, begins at the foot of the statue of Marshal Mannerheim, runs along the building in a black granite pass and ends at the northern end of the building. In future, the pool may be extended all the way to Töölönlahti Bay, depending on future construction in the area.

Outdoor lights in front of Kiasma were designed by Juhani Pallasmaa. Pallasmaa also designed the street and yard spaces around the statue of Mannerheim. The lawn area facing the Parliament building was designed by Steven Holl.