On the occasion of the Scandinavian Design Auction on March 4th, 2021, PIASA presents some of Alvar Aalto's most emblematic pieces, representative of his modernist and humanist ideas.
Defender of the functionalist movement and pioneer of organic design, Alvar Aalto is one of the most important designer architects of the 20th century Europe. According to the architecture critic Siegfried Giedion, the works of the " Wizard of the North " appear both historical and timeless in their functional and aesthetic design.
Born in 1898 in Kuortane, Finland, son of a forest surveyor, Alvar Aalto's love for the natural world began in his childhood. By familiarizing himself with different species, he cultivates his knowledge of wood, his favorite material, which he finds closest to man. At the age of 25, the young architect who graduated from the Technical University of Helsinki opened his own office. He began his quest for harmony between nature and modern human life.
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976)
Ceiling lamp
Estimate: 15000 / 20000 €
In 1929, Aalto won the competition for the construction of a new sanatorium in Paimio (1929-1933). Considered his first masterpiece, this sanatorium fully reflects his functionalist concerns. Indeed, from the plan of the building to the interior equipment, everything is designed to meet the practical needs and well-being of the patients. It is also for this establishment that he devoted himself to numerous experiments on the plywood bending technique.
In 1932, he developed the first models made entirely of laminated and bent wood, including the Paimio chair. Thus, his first architectural projects, including all the furniture, such as the Viipuri Library (1927-1935), illustrate his constant concern: optimal conditions for users.
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976)
Model n°42 dit 'Pikku Paimio'
Estimate: 6000 / 9000 €
In the 1930s, Aalto met Harry and Mayor Gullichsen, great patrons of modern art in Finland. They joined forces with Alvar Aalto to found Artek, a company whose purpose was the mass production of furniture and the organization of art exhibitions. For the Gullichsen couple, Aalto created the Villa Mairea (1938-1939) in Noormarkku, a work considered as the most accomplished of the architect's works. In this house, Aalto creates a dialogue between nature, architecture and man through the opening up of space, the articulation of organic forms and the use of materials reminiscent of the site's environment. Some of the creations for this villa, published by Artek (lot 8), also bear witness to this utopian idea projected by Aalto.
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976)
Model n°810
Estimate: 6000 / 9000 €
At the same time, by taking part in the CIAM (international congresses of modern architecture), he joined a cosmopolitan network of architects and gained international recognition that brought him various commissions from abroad. Nevertheless, he continued to spread his humanist conception in his country through works such as the Institute of Retreats in Helsinki (1952-1956) or the University of Technology, Otaniemi (1963). His achievements forged the basis of Scandinavian design.
