RY – Architecture Without Ground in Turku
8 June 2026
Architect: Behrooz Chavshin
Location: Turku Archipelago, southwest Finland
Images: Behrouz Chavshin (Visualizer)
Architecture Without Ground explores a new model of living within the Turku Archipelago, where architecture no longer occupies land but moves gently across water. The project proposes a network of autonomous floating micro-habitats that navigate between islands while leaving no permanent footprint on the landscape.
Guided by ecological intelligence and adaptive navigation systems, the floating units coexist with nature rather than reshape it. The result is a reversible, low-impact hospitality experience that transforms movement itself into a form of dwelling.
Turku Archipelago:
A Labyrinth of Water and Stone Situated in the Baltic Sea, the Turku Archipelago encompasses over 20,000 rocky islands, forming one of the most intricate and pristine aquatic ecosystems globally. This unique context hosts a perpetual dialogue between land and water, defined by dramatic seasonal shifts—from luminous Nordic summers to winters where the sea solidifies into massive ice sheets.
Architectural intervention within this fragile environment demands a departure from traditional construction methods; it requires a paradigm that embraces nature not as a passive backdrop, but as a dynamic, living organism, synchronizing seamlessly with its rhythms.
PÄRNÄS
The Gateway Interface The project defines Pärnäs not just as a site, but as a transitional interface. Positioned approximately 50 kilometres from Turku, it forms the crucial starting point for the autonomous journey. Here, technology synchronizes with nature, allowing the floating pods to recharge before navigating deep into the untouched wilderness of the Baltic islands.
1- Scenario 1: The Silent Voyage Fall asleep in the harbor; wake up immersed in pristine nature. The suite navigates the archipelago so slowly and silently that the movement is imperceptible functioning entirely as a floating island. By morning, the landscape has completely transformed, trading the urban horizon for rugged cliffs and the open sea. This is the essence of the “RY” experience: a seamless journey that unfolds while you dream.
2- Scenario 2: The Archipelago Expedition A multi-day itinerary offering a new island and a fresh perspective each day. As an example, on the second day, the suite docks at a remote island featuring a traditional Finnish shoreline sauna. Guests can embrace the authentic löyly (sauna steam) and the absolute tranquillity of nature before drifting to the next destination. “RY” seamlessly bridges cutting-edge autonomous technology with traditional Nordic heritage.
RY – Architecture Without Ground in Turku, Finland – Building Information
Architect: Behrooz Chavshin
Project Title: RY – Architecture Without Ground
Client: Academic Project (Turku AMK)
Engineer: N/A (Academic Concept)
Site area: Non-applicable (Moving Architecture)
Gross Floor area: Type 1 (Single Level): 27 sq. meters (Designed for individuals or couples) Type 2
(Duplex): 60 sq. meters (Designed for larger families or groups)
Location: Turku Archipelago, Finland
Status: Concept / Student Project
Project start date: 10.01.2026
Project completion date: 20.04.2026
Cost: N/A
Collaborators: Supervisors: Joel Stenroos, Harry Edelman, Tapio Keiramo, and Marko Kivisto
Address: Turku Archipelago, Finland (Floating Coordinates)
Renders: Behrouz Chavshin (Visualizer)
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Comments / photos for the Museum of History and the Future, Turku, Finland designed by Behrooz Chavshin page welcome
