Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is a very idiosyncratic representative of modernism. Inspired by the landscape and political independence of Finland, the architect designed warm, curved, humane buildings that were completely different from the predominantly smooth, mechanistic, geometric buildings of other European architects.
Whether it was a church, a villa, a sauna, or a library, Aalto's organic structures often used brick and wood instead of concrete and steel, and incorporated wave forms that are also found in his designs for chairs, glass objects, and lamps.
Aalto advocated a humane architecture with social aspirations. Thus he said, 'Modern architecture does not mean using new materials in all circumstances; the most important thing is to find a more humane form with appropriate materials.' Many of his public buildings, including Säynätsalo City Hall, a lecture hall at Otaniemi University of Technology, and the People's Pension Office and House of Culture in Helsinki, were not only physical but also psychological landmarks of reconstruction for Finland after the devastation of war.
This volume presents Aalto's most important works and introduces a deeply native architect who is considered a master of ecological progressive design.
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