alvar aalto
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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?
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.
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.
Inside the restoration of Alvar Aalto’s Sunila housing estate
A neglected workers’ housing project by Alvar Aalto is being lovingly revived by design-minded Finns.
Hello trolley
Helsinki's legendary Savoy restaurant showcases Alvar and Aino Aalto's original 1936 bentwood birch bar trolleys, now serving guests under chef-patron Helena Puolakka's meticulous revival.
Design destination
In the first of a new series of journeys, we hit the road and head to the village of Noormarkku, western Finland, in search of superlative Finnish design.
Fit for purpose
The Paimio Sanatorium has been saved by devoted fans of Alvar and Aino Aalto’s celebrated building. And now they hope to revive it as a place for health, healing and introspection.
Art house
Communal living with like-minded folk can be a source of inspiration. And there’s no better example than Helsinki’s Lallukka, an artists’ residence nurturing global talent.
Finishing touch
A 1930s restaurant has been revived by chef Helena Puolakka and designer Ilse Crawford. We pull up a chair.
Interior elevation
Thinking big is all part of designing statement buildings but plenty of architects dabble in more domestically scaled pieces too.
