Alvar Aalto

Date of Birth: February 3, 1898

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 11, 1976

Biography

Alvar Aalto, born Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto, was a Finnish architect and designer who is considered one of the pioneers of modern architecture and design. He was born on February 3, 1898, in Kuortane, Finland. Aalto’s work includes architecture, furniture, textiles, and glassware, distinguished by a humanistic approach that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. He studied architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology, where he graduated in 1921. Aalto’s architectural style evolved from Nordic Classicism to a more international Modernism, influenced by the Bauhaus and Le Corbusier, but always retained a unique blend of organic forms and materials. Some of his most notable works include the Paimio Sanatorium, the Viipuri Library, and the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki. Beyond architecture, Aalto’s furniture designs such as the Paimio Chair and the Aalto Vase are considered masterpieces of modern design. Throughout his career, Aalto received numerous accolades, including the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the AIA Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects. He passed away on May 11, 1976, in Helsinki, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence architects and designers around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Alvar Aalto

1. Alvar Aalto was a co-founder of the Artek design company, which is renowned for its modern furniture and lighting products.

2. He received the Finnish military rank of Second Lieutenant during the Finnish Civil War.

3. Aalto’s design for the Paimio Sanatorium included not only the building but also the furniture and lighting, making it one of the first instances of holistic architectural design.

4. His works are featured in several prominent museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

5. Aalto was married twice; his first wife, Aino Marsio-Aalto, was also a renowned architect and designer.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alvar Aalto

1. “Architecture belongs to culture, not to civilization.”

2. “We should work for simple, good, undecorated things, but things which are in harmony with the human being.”

3. “God created paper for the purpose of drawing architecture on it. Everything else is, at least for me, an abuse of paper.”

4. “Form must have a content, and that content must be linked with nature.”

5. “Every building is like a person. Single and unrepeatable.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Alvar Aalto is not precisely documented, but his influence and contributions to architecture and design have had an immeasurable impact, making his works highly valued and collectible.

Children

Alvar Aalto had two children with his first wife, Aino Marsio-Aalto. They are: 1. Hamilkar Aalto (born 1923, died 1994) 2. Johanna Aalto (born 1925, died 1994)