Aalto in Detail: A Catalogue of Components 9783035623345, 9783035623321

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Aalto in Detail

Aalto in Detail A Catalog of Components

Céline Dietziker Lukas Gruntz

Birkhäuser Basel

6 9

Preface Essay

23 47 57 77 103 115 181 197 209

Porches Ceilings Pillars Stairs Balconies Windows Skylights Garage Doors Exterior Doors

259 285 293 309 339 373 393 401 413 439

Interior Doors Lift Doors Socle Door Handles Handrails Railings Drainage Fireplaces Fixtures Exterior Lamps

460 Index

6

Keuruu at the Lake “ohra ahonlahti”, June 2019

“My name is Aalto, like the architect,” he told us in a friendly way. He had caught us while we were sneaking around his apartment building, taking photos of the garage doors. We were in the middle of the National Pensions Institute apartment complex, which the Aaltos built in the early 1950s not far from their own house. This was one of the special encounters that we experienced during our journey through Finland in the summer of 2019, on a hunt for traces of the Aaltos. “What are you looking for here?” asked Mr. Aalto—who then insisted on showing us his apartment. In this simple two-bedroom worker’s apartment, the Aaltos’ talent for solving spatial and tectonic problems could be seen and felt. Within a small space, the transition between the kitchen and the dining room was skillfully resolved by means of a pantry with a built-in cupboard. Of course, there had to be a communal sauna in the lower level of the main structure. After Mr. Aalto dropped off his son at soccer practice, he immediately took us to two unknown houses in nearby Espoo that were built during World War Two—simple, unpretentious wooden houses. On arrival, we started a conversation with one of the

7 owners who invited us on a quick tour through her house. In the detailed design of the stair banisters and the curved wooden ceiling under the roof, the Aaltos’ hand was clearly recognizable. This approach is present everywhere in the building: construction problems were handled with a passion and joy for design. Wood was bent. Metal was covered in leather. Glazed ceramic tubes direct light into the depths of the room. Our extensive catalog of details is the result of this journey, when we visited and documented almost fifty of the Aaltos’ buildings from Helsinki, to Jyväskylä, to Turku. Our catalog is not intended to be exhaustive; rather, as a photographic collection, it demonstrates our love of details, which we rediscovered through the work of the Aaltos—Aino ( 1894–1949 ), Alvar ( 1898–1976 ), and Elissa ( 1922–94 ). This catalog of building elements serves as inspiration for our own architectural work. In a world of digitalized architecture, we should not forget the roots of architectural culture: handcraft. Céline Dietziker and Lukas Gruntz

Essay

10

Alvar, 14 years, 1912

“( ... ) Architecture and its details are in some way all part of biology. Perhaps they are, for instance, like some big salmon or trout. They are not born fully grown; they are not even born in the sea or water where they normally live. They are born hundreds of miles away from their home grounds, where the rivers narrow to tiny streams, in clear rivulets between the fells, in the first drops of water from the melting ice, as remote from their normal life as human emotion and instinct are from our everyday work. Just as it takes time for a speck of fish spawn to mature into a fullygrown fish, so we need time for everything that develops and crystallizes in our world of ideas. Architecture demands even more of this time than other creative work.” 1 Alvar Aalto’s essay, “The Trout and the Stream,” first appeared in the fall of 1947 with the Italian title, “Architettura e arte concreta,” in the architecture and design journal, DOMUS. For this issue, then editor-in-chief Ernesto Nathan Rogers asked his Finnish friend and colleague Aalto to share his thoughts on the relationship between architecture and art. The result is a very personal text. Using compelling metaphors, Aalto recounts his own experiences with architectural projects as well as experiments with wooden furniture designs and sculptural work, which he carried out with his first wife, Aino. In a conversational tone, he describes the Ionic column capital and his love of Italian architectural culture.

11

Sun terrace, Sanatorium in Paimio ( 1930s )

He names three “essential” arts—sculpture, painting, and architecture—and discusses how the fields of architecture and abstract art mutually inspire one another. Most significantly, however, he writes about architecture in respect to time, and the importance of having enough of it to be able to develop an architectural idea. At that point, Alvar Aalto had long been part of the international architectural scene. Within a few years, he had evolved from a young architect influenced by Nordic classicism into a staunch advocate of functionalist modernism. However, the best-known buildings from this early period, the Viipuri Library ( 1927–35 ) and the Paimio Sanatorium ( 1928–33 ), were already more than a decade old, and in the interim he had become critical of pure functionalism.2 During this time, his focus shifted to a humanistic architecture that responded to the needs of people and the natural environment. With great sensitivity, he and his first wife Aino put this approach into practice in the Villa Mairea in Noormarkku ( 1937–39 ). The town hall in Säynätsalo ( 1949–52 ), and Alvar’s own experimental summer house built with his second wife, Elissa, in Muuratsalo ( 1952–54 ), indicate further moves toward the development of a Finnish regionalism employing traditional materials and historical references.3

12

Site plan, Villa Mairea in Noormarkku ( 1938–39 )

These buildings created over a period of three decades are great examples of Aino, Elissa, and Alvar Aalto’s openness to current trends, as well as their constant search for distinctive themes. As different as these buildings are, they all exhibit a love of constructive detail. They are based not only on an interest in natural materials and organic forms but also on a general understanding of architecture as a comprehensive design task, first demonstrated by the Defense Corps Building in Jyväskylä ( 1926–29 ). The Aaltos’ intense engagement with interior design did not emerge until the late 1920s with the winning of the Paimio competition. Due to a lack of commissions during the Great Depression, Aino and Alvar were forced to lay off almost all their staff.4 Since they scarcely had any other commissions, they put all their time and energy into detailing and designing the interiors and furniture. The result was an impressive total work of art that became a model for their later buildings and design objects. An organic design concept had already been realized by the Aaltos in Viipuri. Through the circular skylights and undulating ceiling, the natural lighting and acoustics were improved upon, and a more human atmosphere created. Bright colors, often applied in

13

Steps towards the courtyard, Townhall in Säynätsalo ( ca. 1952 )

Sample wall, Experimental House in Muuratsalo ( 1960s )

amorphous figures, and a diverse palette of materials for the building elements served the same ends. Aino and Alvar Aalto’s furniture and interior design elements were usually created in conjunction with a building project. In their designs for lighting fixtures, hardware, and glass objects, the same themes and solutions run throughout their careers. Their passion for native wood species was as much a part of this as their eagerness to experiment with a wide variety of construction methods. By using

14

Entrance side, Defence Corps Building in Jyväskylä ( 1920s )

Auditorium, Library in Viipuri ( 1935 )

novel methods of bending wood, they were able to produce their cantilever chairs.5 The transfer of a construction method previously used only for steel tubes to a natural material seems only logical when one considers the Aaltos’ careers in retrospect. Their breakthrough in furniture design came in 1932 with “Number 41,” commonly known as the Paimio chair. When the new sanatorium building was completed, enthusiastic articles appeared in several major professional journals. Aino and Alvar Aalto were celebrated as the ideal architect couple and invited to events at home and abroad. Various architecture and design

15

Wooden mold and vase from the glass series “Savoy”, 1936

exhibitions solidified not only their reputation in professional circles but also their fame beyond. Their modern designs and the corresponding production capabilities made it possible to fabricate good, affordable furniture for everyday use. An essential goal and distribution company, Artek, which they cofounded in 1935, played an important role in the emergence of a modern domestic culture in Helsinki and the rest of Finland. The fact that Artek’s advertising slogan for quality furniture, “Buy Now Keep Forever,” still holds true today speaks for itself. Much has been written and even more has been speculated about Alvar Aalto’s two marriages and his collaborations with his wives. One of the first publications about Alvar Aalto was the —still today—remarkable three-volume edition by Artemis Verlag, published in Zurich in 1963.6 The introduction to the first volume includes a lengthy, heartfelt note of thanks from Aalto to his current and former collaborators. Along with a brief curriculum vitae, the introduction explicitly states that he ran his office as a

16

Aino with Paimio-Chair, photographic experiment, ca. 1932

partnership with Aino Aalto from 1924 to 1949, and then with Elissa Aalto from 1952 onward. This statement is confirmed by the recollections of numerous employees and further supported by the repeated observation that Alvar and Aino, and later Elissa, complemented each other particularly well in the office setting, both personally and professionally. Despite this, all built projects continue to be attributed to Alvar Aalto alone. It is astonishing that, to this day, the achievements of his partners have not been better researched and appropriately recognized. The universal interest in the architecture of the three Aaltos over generations is truly impressive. With their combination of regional and international elements and use of traditional building materials, their buildings have even become more contemporary. Alvar Aalto himself considered the transition from a reinforced concrete aesthetic to wood and natural materials to be the crucial turning point in the development of their architecture.7 The engagement with established construction methods and the focus on typically Finnish building materials were probably the decisive factors behind the authentic uniqueness of their buildings. Göran Schildt, who was on friendly terms with Alvar Aalto and wrote several biographies of him, surmised that “the basic essential of his achievement is that his roots are deep

17

Elissa and Alvar in the office in Helsinki, 1959

down in the Finnish soil.” 8 In an age that is increasingly marked by generic projects, their authenticity is undoubtedly one reason why the buildings of Alvar, Aino, and Elissa Aalto still have such a strong impact. Alvar Aalto always preferred that people experience his architecture directly rather than just write about his buildings and the ideas behind them.9 Since he and his partners worked on the designs until the end, often making changes at the last moment on the construction site, this is not surprising.10 Furthermore, the relationship between inside and outside, which is so typical for them, and the subtle mood of the spaces achieved through direct and indirect lighting can only be perceived on location. The same is true for the colors and the often lighthearted, playful components. Only through close examination does it become clear just how much passion went into the development and execution of every single detail. This is even more impressive in comparison with the situation today, when many architects delegate their responsibility to specialists, which results in a corresponding decrease in architectural quality. That the Aaltos would have handed over control of their designs or the execution of their projects is simply unthinkable.

18

Experiment with plywood, 1934

In his essay mentioned above, Alvar Aalto also describes his preferred way of working. He presents his method of developing an idea into a project as a meandering, unconscious process that begins after he has ascertained the essential facts: “I then move on to a method of working that is very much like abstract art. I simply draw by instinct, not architectural syntheses, but what are sometimes quite childlike compositions, and in this way, on an abstract basis, the main idea gradually takes shape, a kind of universal substance that helps me to bring the numerous contradictory components into harmony.” 11 This almost poetic description corresponds with his comments about the time factor in creative work. No one would deny that it takes a lot of time as well as creative space to develop convincing architectural ideas. Talking about the intelligence of the fingers may sound strange at a time when pencils and sketch

19

Sketch for Library in Viipuri (1920s)

paper are hardly used anymore and work is increasingly done digitally. By contrast, the topics and projects described here clearly show the opportunities and also the qualities of the analog manner of working. The built work of Aino, Alvar, and Elissa Aalto is truly multifaceted, joyfully exuberant in design, and at the same time authentic. The Aaltos felt as much responsibility for the context as for the exterior and interior of their buildings. But the strong relationship between the various elements of their architecture is most clearly revealed in their love for the smallest building components—the details. This catalog demonstrates that these are the very soul of their total works of art. Through intense commitment, careful selection of materials, and use of their own photographs, Céline Dietziker and Lukas Gruntz have thoroughly explored this aspect of the work of the three Aaltos. They deserve full recognition and heartfelt thanks for this valuable, groundbreaking study. Annette Helle Zurich, Spring 2022

20

1 2

3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11

Alvar Aalto, “The Trout and the Stream,” [ 1948 ] in: G. Schildt, ed., Alvar Aalto in His Own Words ( Helsinki: Otava, 1991 ), 108–9. “Aalto’s lifelong attempt to satisfy social and psychological criteria effectively set him apart from the more dogmatic Functionalists of the 1920s, whose careers were already established when he designed his first significant works.” Kenneth Frampton, Modern Architecture: A Critical History ( London: Thames and Hudson, 1996 ), 202. Ibid. Göran Schildt, Moderna tider. Alvar Aaltos möte med funktionalismen ( Stockholm: Wahlström & Widstrand, 1985 ), 85. This new method for manufacturing bentwood was developed with the help of the Korhonen furniture factory, and patented in 1933. See exhibition catalog: Enrico Baleri, Marco Meneguzzo, and Comitato organizzatore salone del mobile italiano, eds., Alvar Aalto ( Milan: Cosmit, 1998 ), 30. Karl Fleig, ed., Alvar Aalto Band I 1922–62 (Zürich: Artemis–Verlag für Architektur, 1963), 6–7. Frampton, Modern Architecture, 202. Göran Schildt, “Alvar Aalto,” in: Fleig, Alvar Aalto, 15. Michael Trencher, The Alvar Aalto Guide ( New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1996 ), 23. Pallasmaa, “From Tectonics,” 39. Aalto, “The Trout and the Stream.”

Porches Vordächer

24

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

25

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

26

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

27

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

28

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

29

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

30

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

31

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

32

Theatre Seinäjoki, Finland 1961–1987

33

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

34

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

35

Lohiluoma Residential Building Kauttua, Finland 1942

36

Pedagogical University Jyväskylä, Finland 1952–1954

37

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

38

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

39

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

40

Villa Kokkonen Järvenpää, Finland 1967–1969

41

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

42

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

43

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

44

Library of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1964–1970

45

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

Ceilings Decken

48

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

49

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

50

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1971

51

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

52

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

53

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

54

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

55

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

Pillars Stützen

58

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

59

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

60

Enso Gutzeit Housing Hamina, Finland 1951–1953

61

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

62

Faculty of Sport and Health Jyväskylä, Finland 1971

63

Library of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1964–1970

64

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

65

Theatre Seinäjoki, Finland 1961–1987

66

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

67

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

68

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

69

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

70

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

71

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

72

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

73

Administration Building for the City Electic Co. Helsinki, Finland 1965–1976

74

Headquarters of Enso-Gutzeit Helsinki, Finland 1959–1962

75

Library Seinäjoki, Finland 1960–1965

Stairs Treppen

78

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

79

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

80

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

81

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

82

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

83

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

84

Administration Building for the City Electric Co. Helsinki, Finland 1965–1976

85

Rautatalo Office Building Helsinki, Finland 1951–1955

86

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

87

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

88

Architect‘s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

89

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

90

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

91

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

92

Library of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1964–1970

93

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

94

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

95

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

96

Pedagogical University Jyväskylä, Finland 1952–1954

97

Library Seinäjoki, Finland 1960–1965

98

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

99

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

100

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

101

Turun Sanomat Newspaper Office Turku, Finland 1928–1929

Balconies Balkone

104

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

105

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

106

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

107

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

108

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

109

Aira Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1924–1926

110

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

111

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

112

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

113

Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1952–1954

Windows Fenster

116

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

117

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

118

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

119

Farmers Co-operative Building Turku, Finland 1927–1928

120

Headquarters of Enso-Gutzeit Helsinki, Finland 1959–1962

121

Administration Building for the City Electric Co. Helsinki, Finland 1965–1976

122

Rautatalo Office Building Helsinki, Finland 1951–1955

123

Administration Building of the Scandinavian Bank Helsinki, Finland 1960–1965

124

Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1952–1954

125

Harjuviita Apartment Houses Espoo, Finland 1962–1964

126

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

127

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

128

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

129

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

130

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

131

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

132

Terrace Housing Kauttua, Finland 1937–1938

133

Terrace Housing Kauttua, Finland 1937–1938

134

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

135

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

136

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

137

Villa Kokkonen Järvenpää, Finland 1967–1969

138

Villa Skeppet / Villa Schildt Tammisaari, Finland 1969–1970

139

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

140

Building of the Association of Finnish Engineers Helsinki, Finland 1948–1952

141

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

142

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

143

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

144

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

145

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

146

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

147

Library Seinäjoki, Finland 1960–1965

148

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

149

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

150

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

151

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

152

Theatre Jyväskylä, Finland 1964–1982

153

Theatre Seinäjoki, Finland 1964–1968

154

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

155

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

156

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

157

Architect‘s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

158

Architect‘s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

159

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

160

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

161

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

162

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

163

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

164

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

165

Library Seinäjoki, Finland 1960–1965

166

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

167

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

168

Theatre Jyväskylä, Finland 1964–1982

169

Theatre Seinäjoki, Finland 1964–1968

170

Theatre Jyväskylä, Finland 1964–1982

171

Alvar Aalto Museum Jyväskylä, Finland 1971–1973

172

Town Hall Seinäjoki, Finland 1958–1960

173

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

174

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

175

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

176

Harjuviita Apartment Houses Espoo, Finland 1964–1970

177

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

178

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

179

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

Skylights Oberlichter

182

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

183

Headquarters of Enso-Gutzeit Helsinki, Finland 1959–1962

184

Administration Building of the Scandinavian Bank Helsinki, Finland 1960–1965

185

Library of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1964–1970

186

Rautatalo Office Building Helsinki, Finland 1951–1955

187

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

188

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

189

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

190

Administration Building for the City Electric Co. Helsinki, Finland 1965–1976

191

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

192

Academic Bookshop Helsinki, Finland 1961–1969

193

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

194

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

195

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

Garage Doors Garagentore

198

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

199

Library Seinäjoki, Finland 1960–1965

200

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

201

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

202

Alvar Aalto Museum Jyväskylä, Finland 1971–1973

203

Villa Kokkonen Järvenpää, Finland 1967–1969

204

Enso Gutzeit Housing Hamina, Finland 1951–1953, 1970–1972

205

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

206

Headquarters of Enso-Gutzeit Helsinki, Finland 1959–1962

207

Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1952–1954

Exterior Doors Außentüren

210

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

211

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

212

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

213

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

214

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

215

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

216

Enso Gutzeit Housing Hamina, Finland 1951–1953, 1970–1972

217

Harjuviita Apartment Houses Espoo, Finland 1962–1964

218

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

219

Enso Gutzeit Housing Hamina, Finland 1951–1953, 1970–1972

220

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

221

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

222

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

223

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

224

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

225

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

226

Sauna and Laundry Kauttua, Finland 1940–1941

227

Sauna and Laundry Kauttua, Finland 1940–1941

228

Defence Corps Building Seinäjoki, Finland 1924–1926

229

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

230

Administration Building for the City Electric Co. Helsinki, Finland 1965–1976

231

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

232

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

233

Workers Club Jyväskylä, Finland 1924–1925

234

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

235

Alvar Aalto Museum Jyväskylä, Finland 1971–1973

236

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

237

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

238

Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1952–1954

239

Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1952–1954

240

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

241

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

242

Harjuviita Apartment Houses Espoo, Finland 1962–1964

243

Villa Kokkonen Järvenpää, Finland 1967–1969

244

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

245

Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill Kotka, Finland 1936–1938, 1947, 1951–1954

246

Enso Gutzeit Housing Hamina, Finland 1951–1953, 1970–1972

247

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

248

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

249

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

250

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

251

Villa Schildt (Villa Skeppet) Tammisaari, Finland 1969–1970

252

Defence Corps Building Seinäjoki, Finland 1924–1926

253

Farmers Co-operative Building Turku, Finland 1927–1928

254

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

255

Central Finnish Museum Jyväskylä, Finland 1956–1961

256

Standard Apartment Building Turku, Finland 1927–1928

257

Standard Apartment Building Turku, Finland 1927–1928

Interior Doors Innentüren

260

Rautatalo Office Building Helsinki, Finland 1951–1955

261

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

262

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

263

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

264

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

265

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

266

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

267

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

268

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

269

Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1951–1953, 1970–1972

270

Theatre Seinäjoki, Finland 1961–1987

271

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

272

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

273

Faculty of Sport and Health Jyväskylä, Finland 1971

274

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

275

Library of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1964–1970

276

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

277

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

278

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

279

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

280

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

281

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

282

Town Hall Seinäjoki, Finland 1958–1960

283

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

Lift Doors Aufzugstüren

286

Rautatalo Office Building Helsinki, Finland 1951–1955

287

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

288

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–7199

289

Academic Bookshop Helsinki, Finland 1961–1969

290

Administration Building for the City Electric Co. Helsinki, Finland 1965–1976

291

Rautatalo Office Building Helsinki, Finland 1951–1955

Socle Sockel

294

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

295

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

296

Aira Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1924–1926

297

Defence Corps Building Seinäjoki, Finland 1924–1926

298

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

299

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

300

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

301

Villa Kokkonen Järvenpää, Finland 1967–1969

302

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

303

Alvar Aalto Museum Jyväskylä, Finland 1971–1973

304

Housing Espoo, Finland 1940

305

Church Muurame, Finland 1926–1929

306

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

307

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

Door Handles Türgriffe

310

Sauna and Laundry Kauttua, Finland 1940–1941

311

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

312

Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1952–1954

313

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

314

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

315

Faculty of Sport and Health Jyväskylä, Finland 1971

316

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

317

Viitatorni Highrise Apartment House Jyväskylä, Finland 1960–1961

318

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

319

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

320

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

321

Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1952–1954

322

Headquarters of Enso-Gutzeit Helsinki, Finland 1959–1962

323

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

324

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

325

Workers Club Jyväskylä, Finland 1924–1925

326

Farmers Co-operative Building Turku, Finland 1927–1928

327

Defence Corps Building Seinäjoki, Finland 1924–1926

328

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

329

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

330

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

331

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

332

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

333

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

334

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

335

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

336

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

337

Academic Bookshop Helsinki, Finland 1961–1969

Handrails Handläufe

340

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

341

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

342

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

343

Library Seinäjoki, Finland 1960–1965

344

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

345

Town Hall Seinäjoki, Finland 1958–1960

346

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

347

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

348

Pedagogical University Jyväskylä, Finland 1952–1954

349

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

350

Administration Building of the Scandinavian Bank Helsinki, Finland 1960–1965

351

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

352

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

353

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

354

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

355

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

356

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

357

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

358

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

359

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

360

Academic Bookshop Helsinki, Finland 1961–1969

361

Alvar Aalto Museum Jyväskylä, Finland 1971–1973

362

Theatre Seinäjoki, Finland 1961–1987

363

Administration Building for the City Electric Co. Helsinki, Finland 1965–1976

364

Turun Sanomat Newspaper Office Turku, Finland 1928–1929

365

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

366

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

367

Turun Sanomat Newspaper Office Turku, Finland 1928–1929

368

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

369

Theatre Jyväskylä, Finland 1964–1982

370

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

371

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

Railings Geländer

374

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

375

Pedagogical University Jyväskylä, Finland 1952–1954

376

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

377

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

378

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

379

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

380

Town Hall Seinäjoki, Finland 1958–1960

381

Pedagogical University Jyväskylä, Finland 1952–1954

382

Library Seinäjoki, Finland 1960–1965

383

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

384

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

385

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

386

Lohiluoma Residential Building Kauttua, Finland 1942

387

Terrace Housing Kauttua, Finland 1937–1938

388

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

389

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

390

Villa Kokkonen Järvenpää, Finland 1967–1969

391

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

Drainage Entwässerung

394

Town Hall Seinäjoki, Finland 1958–1960

395

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

396

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

397

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

398

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

399

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

Fireplaces Kamine

402

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

403

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

404

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

405

Student Union Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1961–1964

406

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

407

Summer House Muuratsalo, Finland 1952–1954

408

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

409

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

410

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

411

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

Fixtures Einbauten

414

Faculty of Sport and Health Jyväskylä, Finland 1971

415

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

416

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

417

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

418

Alvar Aalto Museum Jyväskylä, Finland 1971–1973

419

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

420

Alvar Aalto Museum Jyväskylä, Finland 1971–1973

421

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

422

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

423

Tuberculosis Sanatorium Paimio, Finland 1929–1933

424

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

425

Architect’s House Helsinki, Finland 1935–1936

426

Terrace Housing Kauttua, Finland 1937–1938

427

Maison Louis Carré Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France 1956–1959, 1961–1963

428

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

429

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

430

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

431

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

432

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

433

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

434

Town Hall Seinäjoki, Finland 1958–1960

435

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

436

Library Seinäjoki, Finland 1960–1965

437

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

Exterior Lamps Außenleuchten

440

Theatre Seinäjoki, Finland 1961–1987

441

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

442

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

443

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

444

Enso Gutzeit Housing Hamina, Finland 1951–1953, 1970–1972

445

Main Building of the Institute of Technology Espoo, Finland 1955–1964

446

Villa Kokkonen Järvenpää, Finland 1967–1969

447

Villa Mairea Noormarkku, Finland 1937–1939

448

Concert and Convention Hall Helsinki, Finland 1967–1975

449

Church Lahti, Finland 1969–1979

450

Architect’s Studio Helsinki, Finland 1954–1955, 1962–1963

451

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

452

Public Pensions Institute Helsinki, Finland 1953–1956

453

Church Seinäjoki, Finland 1951–1960

454

University of Jyväskylä Main Building Jyväskylä, Finland 1954–1956

455

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

456

Academic Bookshop Helsinki, Finland 1961–1969

457

Cultural Centre Helsinki, Finland 1952–1958

458

Town Hall Säynätsalo, Finland 1949–1952

459

Theatre Seinäjoki, Finland 1961–1987

460

Index

BAZOCHES-SUR-GUYONNE Villa Louis Carré 52, 61, 81, 139, 162, 163, 167, 225, 263, 265, 267, 316, 347, 378, 391, 396, 398, 399, 410, 411, 424, 427 ESPOO Harjuviita Apartment Houses 125, 217, 242 Housing 304 Library of the Institute of Technology 44, 63, 92, 176, 185, 275 Main Building of the Institute of Technology 67, 71, 91, 141, 148, 173, 221, 240, 262, 272, 277, 278, 280, 307, 340, 341, 351, 352, 353, 376, 445

Concert and Convention Hall 50, 69, 72, 78, 323, 334, 356, 370, 371, 442, 448 Cultural Centre 24, 51, 53, 146, 241, 298, 313, 368, 416, 451, 455, 457 Headquarters of Enso-Gutzeit 74, 120, 183, 206, 322 Housing for the Personnel of the Public Pensions Institute 113, 124, 207, 238, 239, 269, 312, 321 Public Pensions Institute 25, 54, 70, 86, 90, 188, 191, 231, 261, 287, 306, 314, 324, 452 Rautatalo Office Building 85, 122, 186, 260, 286, 291

HAMINA Enso Gutzeit Housing 60, 204, 216, 219, 246, 444

JÄRVENPÄÄ Villa Kokkonen 40, 137, 203, 243, 301, 390, 446

HELSINKI Academic Bookshop 192, 289, 337, 360, 456

JYVÄSKYLÄ Aira Building 109, 296

Administration Building for the City Electic Co. 73, 84, 121, 190, 230, 290, 363

Alvar Aalto Museum 171, 202, 235, 303, 361, 418, 420

Administration Building of the Scandinavian Bank 123, 184, 350

Central Finnish Museum 255

Architect’s House 30, 31, 66, 68, 87, 89, 136, 156, 157, 166, 201, 213, 214, 215, 332, 344, 388, 402, 403, 425 Architect’s Studio 55, 88, 118, 150, 151, 158, 159, 160, 189, 194, 195, 200, 211, 212, 295, 330, 358, 428, 429, 450 Building of the Association of Finnish Engineers 140

Faculty of Sport and Health 62, 273, 315, 414 Pedagogical University 36, 96, 348, 375, 381 Student Union Building 28, 29, 130, 143, 174, 182, 220, 248, 302, 311, 404, 405 Theatre 152, 168, 170, 369 University of Jyväskylä Main Building 48, 64, 82, 93, 95, 187, 254, 268, 271, 346, 349, 354, 355, 359, 374, 379, 417, 421, 454

461 Viitatorni Highrise Apartment House 317 Workers Club 233, 325 KAUTTUA Lohiluoma Residential Building 35, 386

SÄYNÄTSALO Town Hall 79, 80, 94, 116, 126, 127, 142, 144, 145, 154, 155, 175, 177, 178, 179, 247, 266, 283, 318, 320, 342, 385, 430, 435, 458

Sauna and Laundry 226, 227, 310

SEINÄJOKI Church 45, 49, 98, 164, 210, 218, 234, 236, 237, 250, 264, 279, 281, 357, 431, 433, 437, 453

Terrace Housing 132, 133, 387, 426

Defence Corps Building 228, 252, 297, 327

KOTKA Housing Area Sunila Paper Mill 26, 27, 41, 104, 105, 106, 107, 205, 244, 245 LAHTI Church 193, 232, 276, 288, 300, 335, 336, 377, 432, 449 MUURAME Church 305 MUURATSALO Summer House 117, 131, 198, 222, 223, 249, 294, 395, 406, 407 NOORMARKKU Villa Mairea 33, 34, 42, 58, 59, 83, 112, 161, 224, 229, 299, 319, 328, 329, 331, 389, 397, 408, 441, 443, 447 PAIMIO Tuberculosis Sanatorium 37, 38, 39, 43, 99, 100, 108, 110, 111, 128, 129, 134, 135, 149, 274, 333, 365, 366, 383, 384, 409, 415, 419, 422, 423

Library 75, 97, 147, 165, 199, 343, 382, 436 Theatre 32, 65, 153, 169, 270, 362, 440, 459 Town Hall 172, 282, 345, 380, 394, 434 TAMMISAARI Villa Schildt ( Villa Skeppet ) 138, 251 TURKU Farmers Co-operative Building 119, 253, 326 Standard Apartment Building 256, 257 Turun Sanomat Newspaper Office 101, 364, 367

462

About the Authors Annette Helle Born and raised in Oslo, Annette Helle is a graduate of ETH Zurich and TU Delft. She lives in Zurich, where she has run the office of Helle Architektur since 2001. She has held the position of professor for design and construction in the Architecture Institute of FHNW Muttenz since 2010, and she has institute director since 2019. Céline Dietziker After training as a draftsperson, Céline Dietziker received her degrees from FHNW Muttenz and the École Nationale Supérieure d‘Architecture de Paris-Belleville. She has worked in numerous architecture offices in Basel. Currently, she is an editor at Architektur Basel and a trustee at the Architektur Dialoge Basel Foundation. Together with Lukas Gruntz, she has run the office of Atelier Atlas Architektur in Basel since 2021. Lukas Gruntz Lukas Gruntz is a graduate of FHNW in Muttenz and Basel, as well as of the École Nationale Supérieure d‘Architecture de Paris-Belleville. He has worked in architecture offices in Basel, Zurich, and Tokyo. An editor at Architektur Basel, he is also a regular contributor to various architectural journals. Together with Céline Dietziker, he has run the office of Atelier Atlas Architektur in Basel since 2021.

463

Acknowledgments We would like to thank everyone who was involved with this book project, especially Annette Helle for her factual, conceptual, and inspirational support, as well as her insightful text, which contextualized our research. Alexander Felix and Katharina Kulke deserve our gratitude for the stimulating, productive collaboration; they made it possible for the book to appear in this form. We also thank Philipp Möckli and Adrian Schnegg for their fantastic graphic design, which provided the ideal framework for the content. We would especially like to thank Anita Hede and Bruno Trinkler for their generous support. In addition, we are grateful to all the people we met in Finland while visiting the Aaltos’ buildings. With the kind support of

Picture Credit Alvar Aalto Foundation: p. 8, 9 ( Photo: Gustaf Welin ), 10, 11 top ( Photo: Eino Mäkinen ), 11 bottom ( Photo: Heikki Havas ), 12 bottom ( Photo: Gustaf Welin ), 13 ( Photo: Martti Kapanen ), 14 ( Photo: Artek Collection / Alvar Aalto Foundation ), 15 ( Photo: propably Christian Leclerc ), 16 ( Photo: Kolmio, Artek Collection / Alvar Aalto Foundation) The Museum of Central Finland: p. 12 top ( Photo: Valokuvaamo Päijänne ) Aalto family collection: p. 17 All other photographies are by Céline Dietziker and Lukas Gruntz. Translation from German into English: David Haney Copy editing: John Sweet Project management: Alexander Felix, Katharina Kulke Production: Heike Strempel Layout, cover design and typesetting: Début Début, Philipp Möckli and Adrian Schnegg Image Editing: LVD Gesellschaft für Datenverarbeitung mbH, Berlin Printing: Grafisches Centrum Cuno GmbH & Co. KG, Calbe Paper: 120 g/m² Amber Graphic Library of Congress Control Number: 2022930843 Bibliographic information published by the German National Library The German National Library lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliografie; detailed bibliographic data are available on the Internet at http://dnb.dnb.de. This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in other ways, and storage in databases. For any kind of use, permission of the copyright owner must be obtained. ISBN 978-3-0356-2332-1 e-ISBN ( PDF ) 978-3-0356-2334-5 German Print-ISBN 978-3-0356-2331-4 © 2022 Birkhäuser Verlag GmbH, Basel P.O. Box 44, 4009 Basel, Switzerland Part of Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin / Boston 987654321

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