The Architectural Heritage Unit keeps a close watch on the state of conservation and the legal protection of buildings designed by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto, and as an expert organisation makes a contribution to the conservation of protected buildings together with the authorities.

Finnish legislation provides several ways of protecting buildings. The primary instrument for protection is the town plan as provided for under the Land Use Act (132/1999).

The Act on the Protection of the Built Heritage (498/2010) can be used to protect buildings, sites and even interiors as preservation of cultural heritage. Such sites are often located in areas which have no town plan.

The Church Act (652/2023) is used to protect buildings owned by the Evangelical-Lutheran church. It automatically protects churches built prior to 1917 and may be used to protect newer churches by decision of the Church Council by own initiative or by the Cathedral Chapter, parishes or the Finnish Heritage Agency.

All the methods listed above have been used for protecting Alvar Aalto buildings.

Studio Aalto (1954-55, 1962-63). Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.