Alvar Aalto

Arguably the best and the most famous Finnish designer & architect, Alvar Aalto was born on 3rd February, 1898 in Kuortane, Finland. (Image via Supreme)
BY Nandita Gupta on January 27, 2020
alvar aalto finnish design architect scandinavian furniture kernig krafts
Alvar Aalto : Finnish modern architect & designer celebrated worldwide.

Arguably the best and the most famous Finnish designer & architect, Alvar Aalto was born on 3rd February, 1898 in Kuortane, Finland. The man who put the spotlight on modern furniture and architecture, he became known for his exemplary furniture designs even before he became popular for his contribution to the world of architecture.

 rattan tea trolley alvar aalto  scandinavian furniture kernig krafts
Tea trolley designed by Aalto. Made of Birch, Ceramic tile and Rattan.
Tea Trolley Alvar Aalto Artek furniture Scandinavian
Tea Trolley 900. Designed by Alvar Aalto for his brand Artek. The design has British and Japanese influences.

Aalto obtained a Diploma in Architecture from the Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921. His career took off when he received the commission to design the Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Paimio, Finland. This was one of the most prominent projects completed by him, as each and every object in the building was designed by him. Right from the lighting and furniture to the architecture, this building was a one man show! 

Aalto designs Armchair 41  architect scandinavian furniture kernig krafts
Armchair 41 by Alvar Aalto

Aalto cofounded the outstanding furniture brand, Artek in 1935, with three like minded indivduals; Aino Aalto (his wife), Nils-Gustav Hahl and Maire Gullichsen. Artek was set up by the husband-wife duo to sell their chic Scandinavian style stools, tables, chairs, sofas, lamps, textiles and accessories. The objects created by Aalto are still fresh, owing to their simple, organic shapes and functional designs.

brass lamp alvar aalto scandinavian furniture kernig krafts
Golden Bell pendant, designed by Alvar Aalto for Restaurant Savoy in 1937. Made of polished uncoated brass.

Some other noticeable projects designed and executed by Alvar Aalto include the Finnish Pavilions for the 1937 Paris and 1939 New York World Fairs, the Viipuri Municipal Library, La Maison Carré and Villa Mairea.

aluminium alvar aalto scandinavian furniture kernig krafts
Artek’s A331 pendant light, a much loved timeless piece designed by Alvar Aalto in 1953. Popularly known as the "Beehive", it is made of white painted aluminium and polished brass plated steel rings.

Aalto made a lasting mark on modern furniture and architecture through his pioneering Nordic designs and his legacy lives on through his brand Artek, that pays tribute to his brilliant work everyday!

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