Hi friends,

Happy Thursday and welcome back to The Midmod Corner.

I'm hitting the road soon! Family time awaits in Belgium next week. If you know any cool spots for vintage stores, mid-century homes to visit, or anything else worth seeing, let me know! Feel free to reply directly to this newsletter.

Travel aside, today’s piece is one of those stories I love to share.

So, let's dive in!

The Story

Meet The Human Modernist

In today’s design-saturated world, Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto’s modernist legacy stands as a testament to his great genius. Born 'Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto' in 1898 in Kuortane, a small municipality in western Finland (approximately 345 km north of Helsinki), Aalto continues to be one of Finland’s most beloved and celebrated sons.

Often called the "Father of Modernism" in the Nordic countries, Aalto became famous for his exceptional talent in harmonizing the organic connection between man, nature, and architecture. His portfolio spans architecture, furniture, glassware, as well as sculptures and paintings. Yet, he never considered himself solely an artist, viewing painting and sculpture as 'branches of the tree whose trunk is architecture.'

His buildings, such as the Aalto House (1934), the legendary Villa Mairea (1939), and the church of the Three Crosses in Vuoksenniska (1958), embody a masterful interplay of organic volumes, forms, and materials.

Aalto's prominence was such that by the 1950s, he was among the select few in Finland who held significant sway. So much so, that if Aalto was late for a Finnair flight, the airline would postpone take-off until he was safely on board. Embracing this celebrity, when Aalto did arrive at Helsinki Airport on time, he would instruct his driver to drive around ‘until he was late enough to stage a grand entrance.

Much like today's celebrated 'starchitects', Aalto was a multifaceted creator, venturing into furniture and product design with remarkable success. His furniture pieces, crafted with meticulous thought and care, continue to command admiration today.

Aalto is credited with pioneering bent wood furniture, a practical and modern idea that had far-reaching influences at home and abroad. As Aalto transformed Breuer's bent metal into bent wood, Charles and Ray Eames took the concept of molded wood and created the iconic plastic molded chair. Whether consciously or not, many have experienced the comfort of Aalto's curved wood designs, Breuer's metal chairs, or the Eames' stackable plastic chairs.

However, perhaps nothing encapsulates Alvar Aalto's core principles quite like the Stool 60. This iconic three-legged stool embodies the essence of versatility, serving equally well as a seat, a table, a storage unit, or a display surface.

In summarizing Aalto's illustrious career, it becomes evident that he transcended the boundaries of architecture, demonstrating proficiency as a sculptor and painter as well. His contributions to furniture design, textiles, and glassware have solidified his position as a towering figure in the art industry.

Aalto's unwavering dedication to his craft remained evident until the very end of his life. He passed away peacefully on May 11, 1976, in Helsinki, Finland, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations.

Around The Web

Everything Eames: At the new Permanent Eames Archive in California, you can deep-dive Into the design process of Charles and Ray through 40,000 artifacts. Book your tickets now and discover the insights, inspirations, and innovations behind some of the most iconic designs of the 20th century. (link)

Product Pick: Delve into the world of Alvar Aalto with this must have coffee table book by Taschen. From his innovative furniture to groundbreaking architectural projects, explore the essence of his legacy through stunning visuals and insightful commentary. (link)^*

Architectural Getaway: Experience the harmonious blend of architecture and nature with a modern wood pavilion seamlessly nestled in California's Joshua Tree. The Landing House merges sleek contemporary design with the rugged beauty of the desert landscape. (link)

^*This is an affiliate link.

Buy It For The Architecture

Advertise with us I Merch Store