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Alvar Aalto designed the building at Tiilimäki 20 in Munkkiniemi as his own office in 1955. Because of a number of large commissions, the office needed more space to work in. The building is only a short walk from Aalto’s own house, where the office had previously been located. Studio Aalto is one of the best of Alvar Aalto’s 1950s buildings.

Designed in

1954-55, 1962-63

Location

Finland, Helsinki

— 1

The windows in the Studio's curved wall open onto the courtyard. Photo: Heikki Havas, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 2

The courtyard amphitheatre. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 3

Early sketch. The courtyard amphitheatre serves as an auditorium, and the opposite wall as a projection screen, if necessary. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Museum

— 4

Plan of the main floor before the extension was added to the building. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Museum

— 5

Connection between interior and exterior spaces is a recurring motif in Aalto's architecture. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 6

Alvar Aalto (on the right) and William Lehtinen with the Helsinki City Centre plan. Photo: Pohjakallio, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 7

Drawing hall in 1950s. Photo: Alvar Aalto Museum

— 8

The street side facade. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 9

Conference room. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 10

Elissa Aalto in the drawing hall. Photo: Stig Bergström, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 11

The courtyard during winter. Photo: Rauno Träskelin, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 12

Office staff in the courtyard. Photo: Vezio Nava, Alvar Aalto Museum

— 13

Elevation. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Museum

Guided tours

A one-hour tour explores the history and architecture of Aalto’s office with an expert guide and allows personal time to soak up the special atmosphere, take photographs, make sketches and visit the museum shop. Studio Aalto is located in Munkkiniemi area in Helsinki.

Groups by appointment only: riihitie@alvaraalto.fi

Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Museum