Petri Burtsoff
Alvar Aalto’s designs define Finland abroad. But Unesco recognition is marring his legacy at home
Architectural powerhouses Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto are the pride of Finland. But could a new Unesco designation for 13 landmark projects threaten to do more harm than good?
Bigger isn’t always better: Seven small museums to see around the world
From Singapore to Mexico City, we share some of our favourite small art, culture and architecture museums.
Three European fashion brands for the summer season
Whether it’s rejecting plastic beach shoes for something sustainable or an appreciation for linen’s health benefits, artisans across Europe are standing out in the fashion world by bringing a personal touch to their collections.
Snøhetta unveils plan to transform Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium into ‘Finnish Camp David’
The Finnish architectural masterpiece, which was once a treatment centre for tuberculosis and later a hospital, has undergone a grand transformation into a multi-purpose resort – yet many of its features remain intact.
Going the distance: Qantas prepares the world’s longest flight for takeoff
Qantas has unveiled the aircraft design for the first-ever commercial flight route connecting Europe to Australia’s east coast, which is set to take off between Sydney and London in 2027.
From Bangkok to Bogota, these 23 innovative urban initiatives keep people moving and joyful
Fitness is often framed as a personal endeavour but cities can help to nudge us into healthier lifestyles. A charming playground, safe cycle lanes and well-designed waterfronts are a start.
Forget Milan, Paris and London: Helsinki is where talent scouts head to look for the best fashion designers
Finland is experiencing a fashion renaissance thanks to world-class fashion programmes at Aalto University and a new generation of young designers championing self-expression and technical garment-making.
Kristen Michal, the Estonian leader at the sharp edge of Nato
A hawkish voice on Russia, Estonia’s 50-year-old prime minister has ramped up his nation’s defence spending, hoping to lead by example as Europe adjusts to a more hostile age.
Collector by chance: How Pertti Männistö became one of the world’s most accomplished Alvar Aalto archivists
For the Finnish furniture collector, staying true to his interests and following his instincts was the key to amassing a collection even larger than Finland’s Alvar Aalto Museum.
How we made Monocle’s guide to Helsinki
Our city guides are written by the people who know the places best. In this case, our Helsinki correspondent lets you in on a few of the Finnish capital’s best-kept secrets.
