Supervision, control and guidance in restoration projects

Restoration and repair projects

The Built Heritage Unit provides expert help on repairs to Aalto buildings and maintenance issues. In collaboration with the owners and designers, the Unit endeavours to find the best design solutions, methods of repair and materials for the projects and maintenance of the buildings while respecting Aalto’s original architecture and intentions.

National Pensions Institute KELA (1953–57) library. Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Including buildings constructed posthumously, Alvar Aalto’s architecture spans a period of eighty years. The restoration of modern architecture is still a relatively new issue throughout the world. In successful restoration and repair work, the overall approach and the details are equally important.

Säynätsalo Town Hall (1949–52). Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

 

The extensive Drawing and Photographic Archive, plus the construction documents in the Documents Archive provide an excellent basis for giving advice and guidance to those who are repairing or renovating Aalto buildings, and to designers who are planning restoration and repairs.

In practice, the Built Heritage Unit’s architects, building surveyor and conservationist can take part, as experts, in design and worksite meetings and site inspections, as well as discussing matters by telephone or e-mail. The Built Heritage Unit also accepts commissions for carrying out more extensive or more detailed reports for repair and restoration projects.

Studio Aalto (1954–55, 1962–63). Drawing © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The Unit frequently works in cooperation with the building control and the museum authorities. If requested, the Alvar Aalto Foundation is willing to provide opinions on projects involving buildings designed by Aalto. Such statements and opinions are prepared by the Built Heritage Unit.

The Built Heritage Unit records information and documentation on the planning and execution of restoration and repair work to all buildings designed by Aalto.

The Unit is happy to receive the contact details of architects and designers taking part in restoration and repair work to Aalto buildings and to accept samples of materials used, in order to supplement the Architectural Heritage restoration archives.

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