Seattle Firm Mithun joined by Finland’s Juhani Pallasmaa to Design New Nordic Heritage Museum

Seattle, WA--- Seattle-based Mithun, a national leader in sustainable design, has been selected as the architect for the new Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, Washington. Goals for the project are to create a world-class facility that embraces the rich traditions of Nordic design, art, heritage and culture. It will provide a modern hub for honoring the significant Nordic contribution to current art and design around the world. The exemplary design team includes Juhani Pallasmaa, an esteemed Finnish architect, and top exhibit designers, André & Associates from Victoria, British Columbia who are known for their work at the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Jämtlands Läns Museum in Sweden.

Juhani Pallasmaa, architect, author and professor, will bring a unique combination of experience as a museum designer and museum director. His distinguished career has helped him accrue invaluable insight into Nordic and museum architecture, as well as a larger comprehension of what unites and distinguishes Nordic cultures and design. The deep collection of thought and cultural understanding reflected by Mr. Pallasmaa’s work will enhance the entire design process.

Mithun was founded in 1949 by Omer Mithun, the son of Norwegian immigrants. The firm’s focus on sustainability is a legacy of Omer’s Nordic influence, expressing such timeless values as clarity of form, innovation and a connection with nature. Mithun takes an integrated approach, encompassing architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, interior design and ecology, to build healthy, lasting environments.

Mithun’s experience includes the Suquamish Museum, a new tribal cultural center, the Zoomazium at Woodland Park Zoo, Shilshole Bay Marina’s renewal and renovation, and Novelty Hill-Januik Winery in Woodinville. The firm is also widely recognized for designing the REI Seattle Flagship store and IslandWood, an environmental learning center on Bainbridge Island.

For more information, please contact Karen Hansen at (206) 789-5707 x25 or visit the following:

www.mithun.com
www2.uiah.fi/esittely/historia/pallas.htm
www.nordicmuseum.org.