A Study of Alvar Aalto’s Wood Reliefs for Furniture and Architectural Design


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Date

2019-05

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

no

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Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive overview of the wood reliefs designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto to highlight their importance for both furniture and architecture. They are examined from three main perspectives: first, as experimental models, gradually increasing in complexity and related to different techniques for bending and forming wood for furniture design; second, as formal or sculptural material studies that further complemented Aalto’s lectures and interest in rationalism and elastic standardization for both architecture and furniture; and finally, as straightforward exhibition pieces solely for promotional and advertising purposes, thereby reflecting the original manifesto of the Artek design company. Far beyond playful models, the reliefs were therefore critical to Aalto’s furniture, architecture, and promotion as a prominent modern architect and designer.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

32 (2)

Pages / Article No.

146 - 169

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Aalto; Alvar; wood; architect-designer; architecture; furniture; Artek

Organisational unit

02100 - Dep. Architektur / Dep. of Architecture

Notes

It was possible to publish this article open access thanks to a Swiss National Licence with the publisher.

Funding

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