Alvar Aalto Houses

Description

The authors of Finnish Summer Houses turn their attention to the residential architecture of Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), who was among the first and most influential architects of Nordic modernism. Aalto, who is also known for his furniture and glassware, worked in a unique style that blended modernism and traditional vernacular architecture and was characterised by his use of natural materials and organic forms. During the course of a career spanning over fifty years, Alvar Aalto designed nearly one hundred single family houses. Many of them are architectural gems that illustrate his thoughts about dwelling and architecture. It was in his houses that Aalto had the opportunity to experiment with new ideas, as many of them were built for close friends. This book presents twenty six houses by Aalto, including the Muuratsalo Experimental House, Aalto s own house in Helskinki, the Villa Mairea, and the Maison Carre, and is beautifully illustrated with newly commissioned photographs as well as archival drawings. An essay by Juhani Pallasmaa introduces Aalto s from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Promotion info

Alvar Aalto is universally acknowledged as one of the most important figures of twentieth century architecture. His commitment to a humanitarian ideal, inspired by nature, set him apart from his purist modernist contemporaries such as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe. The environmental concerns of the twenty first century mean that Aalto s legacy has become ever more apparent.; The houses are among Aalto's most experimental works and showcase his ideas and concepts about architecture and design.; The beautiful settings and warm interiors will appeal to a style audience.; Beautifully illustrated with newly commissioned photographs as well as Aalto's archival drawings.

Author description

Jari Jetsonen is a photographer and artist. His works have been published in many books and he has taught at the Helsinki University of Technology and Nihon University in Tokyo. Sirkkaliisa Jestonen is an architect and author and teaches at Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Industrial Arts in Helsinki. Jari and Sirkkaliisa Jetsonen s books include Finnish Summer Houses, published by Princeton Architectural Press in 2008, Alvar Aalto Apartments (Rakennustieto, Helsinki 2004), and Sacral Space - Modern Finnish Churches (Building Information Ltd, Helsinki 2003).