After a hiatus of many years, the Alvar Aalto Academy will once again offer its long-awaited, sought-after MARC conservation course in March-June 2026. This is a training course for those working with modern architectural heritage. The course is aimed at bolstering knowledge, skills and knowledge of the values and preservation methods of modern architecture, from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

Modern architecture and the built cultural heritage play a key role in shaping the identity of environments and their users. Architectural heritage does not just include physical buildings. It also encompasses knowledge of materials and construction techniques, an understanding of the architectural history, traditions and ideologies of each era and the sociopolitical situations that influenced them.

“A significant proportion of Europe’s architectural heritage dates back to the post-World War II period, so the renovation of buildings and changing use needs now have a broad impact on modern architecture,” says Tommi Lindh, CEO the Alvar Aalto Foundation. Technical and environmental issues, such as energy efficiency and accessibility, also set new expectations for the use of buildings and their land areas.

The main theme of the 2026 MARC course is MODERNISM IN FLUX, approached from three thematic perspectives: CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABILITY and RE-USE.

In addition to an introductory segment, the course consists of three modules, held both online and on-site at sites designed by Alvar Aalto (1898–1976): his architectural office in Helsinki (1955), Aalto University in Espoo (1964–69) and Säynätsalo Town Hall in Jyväskylä (1952). These training sites will serve as inspiring, illustrative learning environments that help to open up the key themes of each training module and offer perspectives on issues related to the preservation of modern architecture. The workshop-based training includes lectures and case-specific assignments.

Course components:

• Introductory module (on the ICCROM platform)
  Online course on the protection of our modern built heritage.

• Module 1: Alvar Aalto’s studio, Helsinki – CONSERVATION
  Values and conservation methods of modern architecture.
• Module 2: Aalto University, Espoo – SUSTAINABILITY
  Sustainability in regard to material, technical and structural characteristics and to broader cultural and theoretical perspectives.
• Module 3: Säynätsalo Town Hall, Jyväskylä – RE-USE
  Re-use of buildings from the perspectives of architectonic preservation, ownership, users and social and cultural sustainability.

This English-language course is aimed at experts working in the field of building conservation, such as architects, art historians, conservators and engineers. Priority will be given to applicants from ICCROM Member States who will be able to pass on the knowledge and skills acquired during the course.

“The Alvar Aalto Academy has been a pioneer in organising modern architectural renovation courses, having hosted previous MARC courses between 1999 and 2011. After a long break, we are delighted to again offer a course focusing on current issues in modern architecture. The course will provide participants with access to new research-based knowledge and the sharing of experience-based methods,” Lindh says. Modern architecture preservation is a rapidly growing, sought-after area of architectural education, offering new career and business opportunities for those in the field.

The course is arranged by the Alvar Aalto Academy in cooperation with ICCROM and other partners. These include cities, universities, museums, cultural heritage organisations, property owners and building protection authorities.

Check out the course and sign up here: www.iccrom.org/it/node/6017

More information about the course: www.alvaraalto.fi/marc

Further information:
Nina Heikkonen
Programme Manager
Alvar Aalto Academy
tel. +358 44 500 1257
nina.heikkonen@alvaraalto.fi

As part of the Alvar Aalto Foundation, the Alvar Aalto Academy pursues the Foundation’s mission together with the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Foundation’s Architectural Heritage Department. The Foundation is the national museum responsible for architectural and design heritage, as well as an international Aalto information centre.

University of Technology (1949, 1953-65), park of the main building, Helsinki. Photo Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.