Aalto is often called the quintessential modernist, and at first glance this appears to be rightly so. The forms are organic, the materials compatible. Yet Aalto is also the master of the ambiguous space and mystery; in one building one senses history but not exactly why, and in another Aalto has combed a curve to create an almost unbearable tensio
Aalto is often called the quintessential modernist, and at first glance this appears to be rightly so. The forms are organic, the materials compatible. Yet Aalto is also the master of the ambiguous space and mystery; in one building one senses history but not exactly why, and in another Aalto has combed a curve to create an almost unbearable tensio
Alvar Aalto is universally acknowledged as one of the most important figures of twentieth century architecture. This book looks at his working processes and models, and at the way his work has positioned itself globally. It is a useful reading for architects, designers and those interested in the origins of contemporary architecture and culture.
Alvar Aalto was remarkably inventive in architecture and industrial design. Moreover, his command of technology was integrated with a humanistic style of building, and like Saarinen and Frank Lloyd Wright he sought an organic synthesis of his structures with their surroundings. Aalto's success in approaching these ideals may account for the extraordinary spread of his influence on an international scale. In this broad study of Aalto's work, Malcolm Quantrill assesses its development in terms of two powerful sources-the Finnish National Romantic movement and the Modern movement in architecture. His critique of Aalto's most significant buildings and furniture designs is complemented by photographs of many stages of their creation, from the spontaneity of initial sketches to the completed detail. Professor Quantrill first met Alvar and Elissa Aalto at Muuratsalo in June 1953, and he has been studying and photographing Aalto's buildings ever since. His book provides striking insights into the work of one of the greatest architects of the century.
"The story of Alvar Aalto's furniture, from his first known work in 1919 to the latest bentwood variations by Artek, has been reconstructed here in four articles. Mr. Igor Herler, architect and scholar, reveals hitherto unknown designs of Aalto's youth ; Mr. Göran Schildt, Ph.D., author and Aalto's biographer, studies the evolution of his "trademark", the bentwood furniture, and the creation of the Artek company ; Ms. Marja-Liisa Parko, interior architect, formerly employed in the Artek Design Studio, recalls the relations between Aalto and the Artek Studio and touches on some of the technical aspects of production ; and finally, Ms. Elissa Aalto, Alvar's wife and partner, in collaboration with Ms. Marja-Riitta Norri, writes on fixed furniture in Aalto's architecture as an organic extension of his designs for standard furniture." -- p. 11.
"Alvar Aalto and The Art of Landscape captures the essence of the Finnish architect's landscape concept, emphasising culture and tradition, which characterised his approach to and understanding of architecture as part of the wider environment. From the forests of his youth to sights from his travels, Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976) was influenced by outdoor landscapes. Throughout his career, he felt the need to shape the terrain and this became a signature of his architecture. Divided into five chapters, this book traces Aalto's relationship with landscape, starting with an analysis of his definitions and descriptions of landscape language, which ranged from natural references and biological terms, to synonyms and comparisons. It includes beautifully illustrated case study projects from the 1950s and 1960s, discussing Aalto's transformation of different landscapes through topography, terracing and tiers, ruins and natural elements, horizon outlines, landmarks and the repetition of form. Featuring archival sketches, garden drawings and plans, the book also contains Aalto's text 'Architecture in the Landscape of Central Finland' from 1925 in the appendix. This book provides fascinating, untold insights into Aalto's relationship with landscape and how this developed during his lifetime, for scholars, researchers and students interested in architecture and landscape history, landscape art and cultural studies"--
By assessing the historical, personal and intellectual influences of two of the greatest figures in modern architecture - Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto, this study offers an understanding about the diversity at the heart of modernism.
In the contemporary practice of architecture, digital design and fabrication are emergent technologies in transforming how architects present a design and form a material strategy that is responsible, equitable, sustainable, resilient, and forward-looking. This book exposes dialogue between history, theory, design, construction, technology, and sensory experience by means of digital simulations that enhance the assessment and values of our material choices. It offers a critical look to the past to inspire the future. This new edition looks to Alvar Aalto as the primary protagonist for channeling discussions related to these topics. Architects like ALA, Shigeru Ban, 3XN, Peter Zumthor, and others also play the role of contemporary guides in this review. The work of Aalto and selected contemporary architects, along with computer modeling software, showcase the importance of comprehensive design. Organized by the five Ts of contemporary architectural discourse—Typology, Topology, Tectonics, Technic, Thermodynamics—each chapter is used to connect history through Aalto and develop conversations concerning historical and contemporary models, digital simulations, ecological and passive/active material concerns, construction and fabrications, and healthy sensorial environments. Written for students and academics, this book bridges knowledge from academia into practice and vice versa to help architects become better stewards of the environment, make healthier and more accountable buildings, and find ways to introduce policy to make technology a critical component in thinking about and making architecture.
