Aalto, Alvar (Hugo Alvar Henrik) (1898–1976)

Finnish architect and designer. He was a pioneer of the Modern Movement in his native Finland. Initially working within the confines of the International Style, he later developed a unique architectural style, characterized by asymmetry, curved walls, and contrast of natural materials. He invented a new form of laminated bent-plywood furniture in 1932 and won many design awards for household and industrial items.

Aalto's buildings include Baker House, a Hall of Residence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1947–49; Technical High School, Otaniemi, 1962–65; and Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, 1972.

His early work in a decorative neoclassical style could not have been in sharper contrast to the Functionalist principles of the early Modern Movement which he adopted from the late 1920s, for example, the Viipuri Library, Finland, 1927–35.