Alvar Aalto. The most emblematic works of a genius
One of the most prominent figures of Modernist architecture, Alvar Aalto not only put Finnish design on the map, but also made it synonymous with the pioneering aesthetics that shaped architecture in the 20th century.
Alvar Aalto founded his own practice in 1923. Though most of his early projects are characteristic examples of “Nordic Classicism”, the output of his work take on a clearly Modernist aesthetic. By the mid 50s he had already become something like a national “starchitect” in Finland. A true celebrity for whom even Finnair would delay the departure of its flights, until the great Aalto was on board.
His personal take on Modernism begun to become apparent in the late 40s. To name just a few of his iconic works that shaped the history of architecture:
- MIT Baker House Dormitory. USA 1946
Alto had a very specific goal here. He wanted to maximize the view of the nearby river for every student in the dormitory. So he came up with this one-of-a-kind shape of a curving snake. The symbol of Aalto’s work in America.
- Saynatsalo Town hall. Finland 1949
A center-point for a small community of 3000 people in central Finland. Aalto took the traditional European “court and tower” model of a civic center and transformed it into a modernist complex.
- House of Culture. Finland 1955
It is the pinnacle of Alto’s work with red brick, one of his ever favorite materials. The undulating brick edifice of the auditorium became its trademark instantly. Rounded corners allowed for more complex play of daylight across the surface of the facade.
- Stephanuskirche. Germany 1968
St. Stephen’s Church in the small German town of Wolfsburg is a prominent example of architectural modernism in a church. The altar is made of Carrara marble, while the distinctive geometrical patterns behind it underline the international character of the church.
- Finlandia Hall. Finland 1971
The building and every detail in it is designed by Aalto. Furniture, lamps, even door handles, everything speak the language of nature without anything technically artificial. Finlandia Hall is clad in white Carrara marble, as this for Aalto was a tie to the Mediterranean culture he wanted to bring to Finland.
