Architecture of Finland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The architecture of Finland has a notable history spanning over 800 years [1][2] and the architecture has contributed to several styles internationally, such as Nordic modernism, through the works of Alvar Aalto.

Most commonly, Finland's architectural achievements are related to modern architecture, mostly due to the fact that the current building stock has less than 13% that date back to before 1920 [3], which relates to the reconstruction following World War II.

In addition to Aalto, notable Finnish architects include Eliel Saarinen, Erik Bryggman, Reima Pietilä, and Lars Sonck.

In his review article of twentieth century Finnish architecture, Le Monde critic, Frédéric Edelmann, published in autumn 2000, suggested that Finland has more great architects of the status of Alvar Aalto in relation to population than any other country in the world. [4]

There is a long tradition in Finnish architecture to take influences internationally. For example, The German architect Carl Ludvig Engel, who moved to Helsinki from St Petersburg in 1816, was the mastermind behind all the monumental buildings in the heart of the capital. Similarly, the rise of national romanticism in architecture of the end of the 19th century, despite its name, was a direct adaptation of the European Jugend or Art Nouveau style.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Century of Finnish Architecture — Virtual Finland
  2. ^ Richards, J.M. 800 Years of Finnish Architecture. London: David & Charles, 1978. ISBN-10: 0715375121
  3. ^ Century of Finnish Architecture — Virtual Finland
  4. ^ Frédéric Edelman, article in Le Monde, Paris, September 19, 2000.
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