Born Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto (February 3, 1898 - May 11, 1976) in Kuortane, Finland, Alvar Aalto is recognised for his unique approach to modernism.
Alvar Aalto was one of the most influential architects of the Scandinavian modern movement, and a member of the Congres Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne. His large architectural works include the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Finland where he designed every single detail in the building, and the campus for the Helsinki University of Technology, both which remain functional and important buildings.
Alvar Aalto was one of the most influential architects of the Scandinavian modern movement, and a member of the Congres Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne. His large architectural works include the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Finland where he designed every single detail in the building, and the campus for the Helsinki University of Technology, both which remain functional and important buildings.
Alvar Aalto had an exceptionally wide and varied career after graduating in 1921 at the Helsinki University of Technology. He then established his first architectural office in Jyväskylä in 1923. The following year he married architect Aino Marsio. His early work is mainly in a Nordic Classicism style.
As such an influential architect, Aalto won many awards including the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture from the Royal Institute of Bristish Architects (1957) and the Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects (1963). He was elected a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1957.