Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was a Finnish architect and designer who created an exceptionally broad and versatile career both in Finland and internationally.
Aalto studied architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology, where he graduated as an architect in 1921. In the same year, Aalto founded his first architectural office in Jyväskylä.
During his long and productive career, Aalto designed residential buildings, private homes and public buildings
for institutions.
In continental Europe, Aalto first achieved fame as a furniture designer and only later as an architect.
Alvar Aalto has been influenced in his production by Finnish nature, tradition and the history of architecture. Aalto was characterized by the design of buildings as a complete work of art.
The best example of this is the Paimio sanatorium, where Aalto not only designed the building but also the furniture and lighting.
Alvar Aalto founded Artek in 1935 together with Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl.
The company was founded to sell and market furniture, lighting and textiles designed by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino, especially for the international market.
Furniture and lighting designed by Aalto are still the core of Artek's selection. The products are well known both at home and abroad.
