Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) created buildings that even in the darkest days of Scandinavian winter managed to celebrate light and nature and instill a sense of joy. A perfect example is his Finlandia Hall, a conference and event space located in the center of Helsinki. Inaugurated in 1971, the structure expressed a type of modernism in which form did not necessarily dictate function and where small detail played a crucial role in overall composition. Aalto oversaw every aspect of the venue’s design, from its asymmetrical exterior to the lighting, furnishings, and textiles used inside. And while he left no stone unturned, he never veered into the overly decorative, instead forming a uniquely integrated space.
A center mass, clad in Carrara marble organized in a vertical running bond, rises spirelike from the building. The tallest volume of the composition provides an acoustical plenum over a 1,700-seat auditorium, a space that manages to be intimate, monumental, and informal all at the same time. The hall is a remarkable achievement that’s particularly beautiful surrounded by snow, but worth visiting any time of year.
Join me on a wintry tour of Aalto’s Nordic masterpiece.
