Alvar Aalto and The Art of Landscape

Alvar Aalto's book "Alvar Aalto and The Art of Landscape" explores his relationship with landscape, emphasizing culture and tradition. It includes case study projects, archival sketches, and garden drawings, providing insights into his transformation of different landscapes through topography, terracing, tiers, ruins, natural elements, horizon outlines, landmarks, and the repetition of form.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Alvar Aalto, the renowned Finnish architect, delves into the art of landscape in his book titled "Alvar Aalto and The Art of Landscape." This captivating work encapsulates the essence of Aalto's landscape concept, emphasizing the profound connection between culture and tradition and shaping his approach to architecture as an integral part of the broader environment. Throughout his life, Aalto was deeply inspired by the outdoor landscapes that surrounded him, from the forests of his youth to the breathtaking sights he encountered during his travels. This influence is evident in his architectural masterpieces, where he sought to shape the terrain and leave his distinctive mark.

Divided into five chapters, this book explores Aalto's intricate relationship with landscape. It begins by examining his definitions and descriptions of landscape language, which spanned a wide range of natural references, biological terms, synonyms, and comparisons. The book showcases beautifully illustrated case study projects from the 1950s and 1960s, highlighting Aalto's transformative approach to different landscapes through topography, terracing, tiers, ruins, natural elements, horizon outlines, landmarks, and the repetition of form. Archival sketches, garden drawings, and plans are included, providing a rich visual context to accompany Aalto's text, "Architecture in the Landscape of Central Finland from 1925," which is presented in the appendix.

"Alvar Aalto and The Art of Landscape" offers a captivating and previously untold perspective on Aalto's relationship with landscape. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and students interested in architecture, landscape history, landscape art, and cultural studies. By delving into Aalto's creative process and his profound understanding of the interplay between culture and nature, this book provides valuable insights into the evolution of his architectural vision and its profound impact on the landscape.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032116648