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Further education
The Alvar Aalto Academy organizes continuing architectural education in various ways including international workshops.
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MARC – International Course on Conservation of Modern Architecture
MARC is a further education course for mid-career professionals working with modern heritage
The main objective is to reinforce the capacity of specialists working in the field of conservation of modern architecture. The course activities enable the participants to gain knowledge and new skills, and to understand the values, prerequisites of use and conservation methods of modern architecture from a theoretical and practical basis.
BACKGROUND
Modern architecture, as cultural built heritage, plays a key role in creating environments and its users’ identity. A significant proportion of Europe’s built heritage is from the recent past, built after the Second World War. Architectural heritage does not only consist of the built environment’s physical form. It also includes the knowledge and skills of materials, building techniques and architectural history, as well as the traditions, ideologies and socio-political history that they convey.
Globally, buildings representing modern architecture are largely in the need of renovation or new uses, due to the changes in the needs of users and management practices. Technical and environmental issues, such as need for energy efficiency or accessibility, pose new challenges to the use of buildings and sites. Conservation of modern architecture is a rapidly growing field of educational, career and business opportunities.
MARC is based on the tradition of four previous MARC courses held between 1999 and 2011. The next course will be held in Finland in June 2026.
Aalto University (former Helsinki University of Technology Main Building). Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.
5th International Course on Conservation of Modern Architecture – MODERNISM IN FLUX
The main theme of the 2026 course, MODERNISM IN FLUX, is approached from three different perspectives: CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABILITY and RE-USE.
The course consists of four modules with an online course and on-site programme in Finland including modern architectural masterpieces by architect Alvar Aalto (1898-1976): Studio Aalto in Helsinki (1955), Aalto University in Espoo (1964-69) and Säynätsalo Town Hall in Jyväskylä (1952).
The sites have been selected as inspiring points of reference. Along with other case studies, they will be used to illustrate key themes related to each module and provide a wider perspective on the conservation of modern architecture. The workshop activities include lectures and case-related assignments.
- Introductory module (ICCROM platform):
Online introductory course to Conservation of Modern Heritage - Module 1: On-site at Studio Aalto, Helsinki: CONSERVATION
Values and conservation methods of modern architecture. - Module 2: On-site at Aalto University, Espoo: SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability in regard to material, technical and structural qualities and to a wider cultural and theoretical perspective. - Module 3: On-site at Säynätsalo Town Hall, Jyväskylä: RE-USE
Re-use of buildings from the perspective of architectural preservation, ownership, users and social and cultural sustainability.
The course is targeted at specialists in the field of architectural conservation: architects, art historians, conservators, engineers and so on. Preference is given to applicants from ICCROM member states and candidates working in positions in which they can share, transmit and disseminate the skills and information gained during the course.
Project partners represent cities, universities, museums, heritage organizations, property owners and authorities of architectural conservation.
The course runs from March to June 2026. The course language is English. The course is organized by the Alvar Aalto Academy in cooperation with ICCROM and several other partners.