Alvar Aalto: Between Humanism and Materialism

This major retrospective is presented in celebration of the centenary anniversary of the birth of renowned Finnish architect, designer, and town planner Alvar Aalto. Between Humanism and Materialism is also the title which Aalto gave to the 1955 lecture in which he described principal concerns underlying his philosophy of architecture. Aalto's insistence on the importance of design and formal expression in our lives, and his adept handling of materials, light, and space, explain why he is one of the great architects of the twentieth century. The exhibition includes original drawings and models, most of which have never been seen in the United States, lent by the Alvar Aalto Foundation, Helsinki, and other public and private collections in Europe. It also comprises new and archival photographs, examples of his furniture and glass, and five specially created video walk-throughs of Aalto's most important buildings. Approximately fifty buildings and projects from all phases of Aalto's prolific career--ranging from cultural institutions to factories, apartment buildings, libraries, town halls and churches--are represented.

Aalto's innovative, wedge-shaped brick from his House of Culture, Helsinki (1952­58) and his much-favored dark blue and white tiles, used in buildings such as the National Pensions Institute (1868­57), are reproduced in full scale constructions. These installations of his materials offer a first-hand, tactile experience of Aalto's brilliant synthesis of color, material, form, and scale. They are intended to convey something of the power of his architectural work that can otherwise only be experienced by visiting an Aalto building.

Alvar Aalto
Between Humanism and Materialism
Kurator: Peter Reed