Alvar Aalto

One of the greatest designers of modernism

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976). Born in Kuortane, Finland. Thanks to his original style and unique talent, Alvar Aalto is one of the greatest names in modern architecture and design.

Even as a child, he was an enthusiastic draughtsman and quickly decided to study architecture in Helsinki. At the beginning of his professional career, he was inspired by classicism and historical Mediterranean architecture. He not only worked as an architect and urban planner, but also designed furniture, textiles and home accessories. He was ahead of his time and used wood and a specially developed wood molding process instead of metal for the production of his furniture.

The curved shapes of his glass designs for Iittala have been legendary since 1936. The Alvar Aalto vase is still considered a world-famous classic of Finnish design.

During his long career, he designed numerous buildings all over the world: concert halls, libraries, hospitals, museums and private homes, including Villa Mairea. His furniture and lamps, which he often designed as part of the buildings he built, are still part of the product range of the Finnish company Artek, which Aalto co-founded. The aim of his designs is clear from the name: The fusion of art and technology.

Website by Alvar Aalto