Alvar Aalto

1898 - 1976

Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was a pioneering architect and designer whose work shaped modern Scandinavian design. Known for his humanistic approach to modernism, Aalto combined functional simplicity with organic forms and natural materials to create architecture and objects that felt warm, balanced, and timeless.

His early projects, including the Viipuri Library and Paimio Sanatorium, redefined modern architecture through natural light and flowing spaces. In collaboration with his wife Aino Aalto, he developed the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk—the total work of art—integrating architecture, interiors, and furniture into cohesive, human-centered environments.

Aalto’s designs for Artek, the company he co-founded in 1935, include the iconic Paimio Chair, Model 60 Stool, and the Savoy Vase for Iittala—all symbols of Nordic modernism and everyday elegance.

Internationally acclaimed, Aalto’s work spans Finland, the U.S., Germany, and Italy, and was celebrated in a 1938 MoMA exhibition. His legacy endures through designs that unite functionality, nature, and emotion, continuing to inspire architects and designers worldwide.