
The Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) is one of the great figures of modern architecture, ranked alongside Gropius, Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe. This film analyses Aalto’s uniquely successful resolution of the demands and possibilities created by new technology and construction materials with the need to make his buildings sympathetic both to their users and to their natural surroundings. His inventive use of timber in particular represents both a reference to the forest landscape of Finland and a building material that is ‘warm’ and extremely adaptable. Filmed in Finland, Italy, Germany and the USA, this documentary shows how the Finnish natural environment and art traditions were essential elements in Aalto’s pioneering harmonization of technology and nature.

Alvar Aalto
Himself (Archive footage)

Maire Gullichsen
Herself

Elissa Aalto
Herself

Le génie romain
Le génie romain

Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace
Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace

Moriyama-San
Moriyama-San

Gaudi, Catalunya
Gaudi, Catalunya

Paris, the Mystery of the Disappeared Palace
Paris, the Mystery of the Disappeared Palace

Dreaming of a Treehouse
Dreaming of a Treehouse

The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America
The Gateway Arch: A Reflection of America

Housing a Dream
Housing a Dream

Bâtir
Bâtir

Four Shorts on Architecture
Four Shorts on Architecture

Richard Meier
Richard Meier

Beyrouth, Le Dialogue Des Ruines
Beyrouth, Le Dialogue Des Ruines