The proposed SOLOMON R. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM derives its design concept from "intersections" as in its architectural elements of intersecting volumes, planes, and materials are in a way like a museum is an intersection of ideas, philosophies, and artists. The museum endeavors to be the central meeting point, or artistic hub of the city's creative energy. Outsized horizontal planes of wood, stone, concrete and glass also frame the views to several of Helsinki's historical architectural landmarks.

The museum is basically made up of two more or less connected buildings, the North and South Rakennus, or structures. The space requirements for the museum are spread throughout both buildings as needed and do not conform to any clear cut zoning pattern. Overall, the layout of the museum conveys an ease of use, of openness and playfulness, of convenience and informality, the very same traits commonly found in art.

The North Rakennus comprises four levels and is where the main lobby and open gallery is located (upper ground), as well as the museum shop. A visitor may take the lift or escalator to Level 3, and start his tour from there, viewing each of the many galleries, including the main gallery on the second level, as he takes the ramp downward in his tour.

The South Rakennus is where the fine dining restaurant and cafe as well as the design shop are found. It is in this public area where the pedestrian bridge connects to the museum. Likewise, the upper levels here with galleries form part of the downward route one takes to tour the museum. A thermal wall on the south façade and another on the northeast façade collect solar heat which is then distributed throughout the lobbies and hallways during the colder months.

For sustainable design and construction, a heliotropic louver system is used to control the heat gain/loss from the museum's very large curtain wall area. Louvered panels swing open and close from their fixed cantilevered planes. Thermally modified spruce or pine is used as cladding for the exterior and interior walls and floors. Cutting edge green concrete is utilized all throughout the building to attain a negative carbon footprint, and a low-E double glazed curtain wall system is used on all facades to help keep the heat in during winter, and out during summer.