Kanavaranta 1 – Total work of art by Alvar Aalto

World-renown pioneer of modern architecture, Alvar Aalto was above all a great humanist. The challenge he put to himself was not to create buildings and furniture that had beauty and artistic impact, but to design continuum of spaces from inside to outside that would make people feel better.

For this he drew his inspiration and information from nature: “The very essence of architecture consists of a variety and development reminiscent of natural organic life. This is the only true style in architecture.”

Kanavaranta 1 is a prominent testament to the lasting values of Aalto’s design: ingenuity, functionality, humanity, and timelessness.

Most recognized for its outside, it’s less known that the inside of the building is what makes this a complete Alvar Aalto experience. Every detail and all the furniture and light fittings have originally been designed by the architect and his team – some of those details can still be found in the building.

As anyone who has walked through this building can affirm, Aalto’s signature approach of using natural materials, warm earthy elements and organic shapes have an incredibly balancing and uplifting influence on people.