Finland
By Bob Enzel
Helsinki
The architectural works of Alvar Aalto,
considered as the “father of Scandinavian design” will be featured from now
through 2012.
When you visit the lovely capital city of
Helsinki here are a few of Aalto’s buildings that will catch your eye.
Enso-Gutzeit Headquarters built
in 1962 is a box-shaped modernistic building with a white marble façade.
It’s located at the city’s waterfront, but is a working office building and
can only be viewed from the outside.
Academic Bookstore on the
Esplanade was built in 1969. The Aalto Café on the far balcony is a great
place to enjoy a snack while perhaps shopping for a guidebook?
Near the Central Railway Station is
Finlandia Hall is a city landmark with a marble exterior and copper
roof. The concert hall was completed in 1972 and the Congress Wing in 1975.
Lighting, furniture, moldings, panels and flooring allows the viewer a peek
at Aalto’s attention to detail.
Riihitie House constructed in his
early years (1936) was home and office for the Aalto family until 1955 and a
working office until 1976 when he passed away. It’s located in Munkkiniemi,
about a 25 minute tram ride from Helskinki city center.
The campus of the Otaniemi University
was also designed by Aalto between 1949 and 1965. It was renamed Aalto
University in recognition of the architect’s achievements in
technology, art and economics. It’s located about 15 a minute bus ride from
Helsinki center.
For more information on the Iconic buildings of
Alvar Aalton click on the below sites.
http://www.finlandiatalo.fi/en/architecture/guidedtours/
http://www.alvaralto.fi/htm#aaltohouse/
http://www.riihitie@alvraalto.fi/
http://www.wdc2012helsinki.fi/en
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