Helsinki Files 11: All that Aalto.

…

…hello…?

…does this thing still work…?

Okay, listen. I have enough backlogged content to post on this blog that it is a crime. However, a much worse offense would be to ignore the remaining Helsinki photos I have. So rapid fire, here I go. This is all the Aalto I have left:

It has been well over a year since I took these photos, so you’ll have to forgive me for having very little to say. But here is what I will say:

1. Pay attention to the difference between exterior and interior images. These photos were taken in the dead of winter, so you’ll see a cold blue tint to all exterior images. I made no effort to correct this in photoshop because I think it shows the Finnish attitude towards architecture extremely well. Because it is cold outside, it is extra warm inside. Warm materials. Warm colors. Warm life. 
2. More than other notable Modern architects, I think Aalto liked to have fun. I’m not talking about his personality, but more his design. He didn’t seem to let the rigidity of modernism and ideals of global appeal restrict him and his design. He seemed to genuinely try and make special places for people, something that could arguably have been overlooked by his peers.
3. Aalto likes daylight.

 This first set of photos is from the National Pensions Institute:

I have nothing to say… So I’ll just continue with the images:

Oh, here is something! Look at these cool Aalto door pulls:

Cool, right? 

This building had a really neat cafeteria that had this crazy ceiling that somehow provided radiant heat? (The question mark is because I vaguely remember this piece of trivia, but could also be making this up…)

This building also had a miniature Aalto Library:

I may have said this before, but I think Aalto’s best work is his library work. I think the color of the books compliments his quiet palette to well, and his attention to daylight is an obvious match for this typology.

Next are some smaller Aalto projects, starting with this bookstore:

Doesn’t it look so fantastic with the Christmas lights? I think they should consider leaving them up year round. 

Also, you know you’re an architectural Baller when the cafe in your project gets named after you…

These last few images are embarrassing because I honestly cannot remember if they are even related. The interior images are of a bank, but I cannot recall if the exterior image represents the exterior of the bank?

Whatever. I’m tired. Just look at the pics and leave me alone:

Okay. Thats it. That is all the Aalto I have left. I think one more Helsinki post and we can move on to something new. For those of you still reading, Hi. Thanks for sticking around.

For those of you who have given up on me… Come back… I miss you…