Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall is a work of art down to the finest detail
Vitra's Plywood Group LCM lounge chair is designed by Charles and Ray Eames. The bare functionality of the seat enchants with its timelessness. Mattiazzi's Cugino stool is by Konstantin Grcic.
THE FINLANDIA HALL, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a monumental part of Helsinki's Töölönlahti milieu. Aalto was commissioned by Helsinki's municipality in 1959 to create a larger scheme for improving central Helsinki, and Finlandia Hall played a grand part in this design. The main building of Finlandia Hall was completed in 1971, the Congress wing in 1975 and Veranda, a modern expansion designed by architect Jyrki Iso-Aho, in 2011.
Nikari's Perch bar stools pay homage to Finnish woodworking traditions. Artek's A110 pendant was designed by Alvar Aalto.
Iittala's Ultima Thule pitcher and Aarne cocktail glasses add a touch of glamour to everyday settings. The elegant citrus basket is by Alessi.
The name Finlandia Hall is charged with connotations of freedom and reverence, as Alvar Aalto envisioned the building to become the symbol and display for Finnish independence.
Known as a passionate globetrotter, Aalto wanted to create a fanciable facade for Finland, one that wouldn't fail to impress even on an international scale.
Designed for both recreational use and as a congress center, Finlandia Hall has hosted an extensive spread of both cultural and political events big and small.
The iconic Tulip side table by Eero Saarinen celebrates simplicity. Alvar Aalto designed the charming A808 floor lamp in 1955.
FontanaArte's light Fontana coffee table looks delightfully crisp both paired with vintage and modern furniture.
Iittala's sizable Urna vase in a glowing amber shade exudes a nostalgic feel. The bronze Bird paperweight designed by Tapio Wirkkala looks beautifully delicate as a stand-alone decorative element.
Characteristic to Alvar Aalto's design language, the asymmetric and amorphous forms combined with meticulous regularity shape the look of Finlandia Hall. Drawing inspiration for the Mediterranean culture and architecture, the facade is covered in white Carrara marble, and the elegant interior carries the same note with surfaces and details crafted from Italian travertine stone. The luminous surfaces also create an intriguing contrast to the black granite used on the bottom floor.
Louis Poulsen's PH 3½–2½ table lamp is an eye-catching classic that stands the test of time.
The considered entity is often referred to as a 'Work of art down to the finest detail' and for good reason: Not only did Aalto design the building itself, but every detail from the furniture and lighting down to the decorative panels were created by Aalto and his agency. Interior architect Pirkko Söderman and architect Elissa Aalto, Alvar's second wife, played a grand part in designing Finlandia Hall's interior. The minimalistic, timeless design language endorses Aalto's philosophy: architecture should only build a background for people. People themselves are what bring the space to life with color, sound, movement, and meaning.
Alvar Aalto was a Finnish architect and academic, whose unique imprint is globally recognized.
Who: Alvar Aalto
Born in Kuortane, Finland in 1898. Passed in Helsinki in 1976.
Studied architecture at Helsinki University of Technology.
Established his own design agency in Jyväskylä, Finland in 1923.
Created design company Artek in 1953 together with Maire Gullichsen, Nils-Gustav Hahl, and his wife, architect Aino Aalto (formerly known as Marsio)
Best-known work: Paimio Sanatorium (1933), the interior of restaurant Savoy in Helsinki (1937), Villa Mairea (1939), Maison Louis Carré (1961), Finlandia Hall (1971)
See also:
• Alvar Aalto's designs in Franckly >
Text: Mira Ahola Images: Antti Vettenranta and Artek Styling: Hanna-Katariina Mononen
Published on 31 Jul, 2020
