Near Figure
Near Figure is a museum designed for Helsinki, Finland. The building explores the state between identifiable and unidentifiable forms. Shapes convey a sense of purpose but remain unresolved, so legibility appears gradually as visitors move through the spaces. Two separate circulation paths are interwoven through changes in the architectural form. The museum holds open galleries, exhibition halls, a cafe, exterior platforms and activity areas. Green concrete and recycled wood improve insulation and reduce carbon emissions. The gross floor area is 6400 square meters.
Near Figure Museum by Meng Zhao was identified as an innovative example of architectural design by the A' Design Award. Near Figure Museum won the Bronze A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design in 2026. The A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award is an international, juried, academic and meritocratic design accolade that recognizes excellent design of skyscrapers, museums, residential buildings, commercial complexes, educational institutions, religious structures, infrastructure designs, landscaping projects and more.
