Alvar Aalto

by Nicholas Ray

• ISBN13: 9780300107494
• ISBN10: 0300107498
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 2005-10-10
• Publisher: Yale University Press

Summary

The preeminent Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (18981976) developed in the postwar years an architectural language all his own, characterized by curved walls, singlepitched roofs, and inventive combinations of wood and brick. He was also engaged in design at all scales, from the planning of cities, including Helsinki, to the design of furniture and glassware. This book provides a brief but comprehensive look at Aalto's life, works, theory, and relevance for the twenty-first century. The first section of the book offers an account of Aalto's life, including his friendships with such twentieth-century masters as Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The second section looks closely at six of Aalto's most important buildings, among them Baker House in Boston and the concert hall in Helsinki. In the final sections of the book, Nicholas Ray examines several general themes relating to Aalto's work and philosophy. Ray also offers an original and provocative view of Aalto's theory, arguing that the architect's position consistently opposed that of his contemporaries and indeed of most architects to this day.

Author Biography

NICHOLAS RAY is fellow and director of studies in architecture, Jesus College, Cambridge, and a practicing architect.

Table of Contents

Introduction	vii
Biography
The Surveyor's son	3	(4)
Student Architect	7	(5)
Practice in Jyvaskyla	12	(8)
Turku	20	(8)
International contacts and the move to Helsinki	28	(9)
International acclaim	37	(4)
The war years	41	(5)
Post-war reconstruction	46	(19)
Building on an international reputation	65	(16)
Six buildings
Paimio	81	(7)
Villa Mairea	88	(12)
Baker House	100	(9)
Saynatsalo	109	(11)
The National Pensions Institute	120	(11)
Finlandia Hall	131	(18)
Some themes
Introduction	149	(1)
Nature	150	(6)
Function	156	(8)
Means	164	(5)
Style	169	(13)
Positive Scepticism	182	(6)
Aalto's legacy	188	(9)
Select bibliography	197	(6)
Photograph credits	203	(1)
Acknowlegements	203	(1)
Index	204