A exhibition I'd like to see: Alvar Aalto Through the Eyes of Shigeru Ban.
The exhibition examines the development of Aalto’s architectural style, featuring models, drawings, photographs and artefacts from 14 of his key projects, built mainly in Finland, Denmark and across Scandinavia. Spanning six decades, featured projects include Paimio Tuberculosis Sanatorium (1929-33), Villa Mairea (1938-39), AA-System Houses (1937-1945), Experimental House (1952-53), North Jutland Art Museum (1958-72) and the development of the urban centre for Seinäjoki (1952-87).
Aalto was as concerned with the interiors of his buildings as he was with the structure, and the exhibition also showcases his wide-ranging product designs. These include his famous stacking stool and other furniture, as well as glassware, light fittings and textiles, many of which continue to be manufactured today by the renowned Finnish design company Artek, founded in 1935.
Aalto admired the commitment to craftsmanship and sensitivity to natural materials that he found in Japanese architecture, and 60 years later this influence comes full circle in the work of Shigeru Ban. The exhibition showcases many of Ban’s key works which acknowledge a huge debt to Aalto’s organic approach to design.
'Form is a mystery that defies description but brings people pleasure.' AA
