A hugely influential modernist architect, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976, Finnish) designed the Paimio Sanatorium, a 1930s tuberculosis treatment centre which he equipped entirely with his own factory-made furniture. Concerned that design should promote health and wellbeing, he revolutionised methods of bending wood to create warmth and fluidity.
What’s he famous for?
Creating harmony between a building’s interior and exterior. His architectural work draws on natural light, while his atmospheric light fittings relate to the ‘natural’ world and have earned nicknames including the Turnip and the Beehive. He started interiors company Artek and his glasswork, particularly his Aalto vase in its various shapes, sizes and colours, put Finland on the design map. Get one of his mouth blown glass masterpieces from £96.00 at Skandium.
Keep a look out for...
His architecture - including concert halls, libraries and museums - furniture, glasswork and light fittings. His vases represent all that is good about Finnish design: they are both simple and aesthetically pleasing.
