Consulate General and Permanent Mission to the UN

New York, 2018

The aim of the project was to connect the Consulate General of Finland in New York, the UN Mission and Team Finland to a new, joint multi-space office, which was renovated into an office building in Midtown Manhattan. The project also served as a pilot project for the renovation of other embassies and consulates of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The starting point for the design was a change in working methods, increased co-operation, high security requirements, the flexibility of the premises and the transmission of a positive image of Finland. The interior architecture is inspired by Finnish culture, technology and know-how, nature with its seasons, and Finnish values ​​such as authenticity, equality and honesty. We were responsible for the design of the floor plan as well as the design of the color, material, lighting and furniture. We also designed several unique pieces of furniture and lighting, suspended ceiling solutions and signage.

The new Premises is divided into three visually distinct zones; the first represents the rugged beauty of our winter nature, the second our thousands of lakes and the world’s cleanest drinking water, and the third the summer forest landscape. The themes are concretized in the choice of color and material, as well as in the spatial elements, such as the roof and lighting installations depicting the ice blocks in the lobby and the forest in the common areas. Flexible conference facilities allow for the implementation of various projects and events, and the lobby facilities provide space for changing exhibitions.

The President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö opened the premises in the autumn of 2018.

Client: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
Year: 2018