Perspective sketch of the building. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation.

White and blue Carrara marble are used in the facade. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The lobby in the first floor has a direct connection to the roof terrace through the large windows. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Natural light flows through the skylights to the lecture hall. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Section of the lecture hall. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Aalto saw the building as a complete work of art. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Different parts of the cultural centre surround the centrally located roof terrace. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Plan of the first floor with centrally located roof terrace. Drawing: Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Richly detailed roof terrace forms a central square, a theme often found in Aalto’s public buildings. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Several spaces in the building have direct view towards the roof terrace. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The workshop spaces surrounding the atrium are optimally provided with daylight. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The building has several different types of skylights. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The library is a variation of Aalto´s characteristic “sunken” library with skylights. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

A recurring theme in Aalto’s buildings can be seen here: lamps are placed to enable artificial light and natural light to flow from the same direction. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Aalto designed several special light fittings for the cultural centre. They were manufactured by master metalworker Viljo Hirvonen, Aalto´s trusted lamp expert. Photo: Maija Holma, Alvar Aalto Foundation.