Poetic forms from Finland

Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) is a highly idiosyncratic representative of modernism. Inspired by the landscape and political independence of Finland, the architect designed warm, curved, humane buildings that stood out from the predominantly smooth, mechanistic, geometric structures of other European architects.

Whether church, villa, sauna or library: Aalto often used bricks and wood instead of concrete and steel for his organic structures and integrated wave forms, which can also be found in his designs for chairs, glass objects and lamps.

Aalto advocated for humane architecture with social aspirations . He said: "Modern architecture does not mean using new materials under all circumstances; the most important thing is to find a more humane form with appropriate materials." Many of his public buildings, including Säynätsalo Town Hall, a lecture hall at Otaniemi University of Technology, and the National Pensions Office and the House of Culture in Helsinki , were not only physical but also psychological landmarks for Finland's reconstruction after the destruction of the war.

This volume presents Aalto's most important works and introduces an architect deeply connected to his homeland, who is considered a master of ecological progressive design.