Customer Reviews

Alvar Aalto

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Clearly, as Weston testifies, there has been a need for a monograph on Aalto's architecture to compliment the supurb Aalto biographies by Schildt. However, despite the fine photographic reproductions and line drawings in this volume, the book clearly disappoints. Weston simply sees Aalto as a historical continuation of earlier Finnish architecture, but then fails to show why Aalto is so special, so different. Much space is given to saying something about nearly every Aalto building, and many of those never completed - some 300 completed buildings - but there is no critical edge to his comments, and no deep analysis. A good reference book, but nothing more.

Undoubtedly this is a book of fine photographs and drawings. And for many architects and students that is more than enough. They want to be inspired, and to get a feeling for the material qualities of architecture. They indeed need few words. But Weston's book makes a claim to be more than that. It claims to be a historical monograph. But we get little sense of the strangeness, the Otherness, of Finnish culture. Aalto could more or less be designing anywhere. Reference to Finland is merely stereo-typical "nature". Aalto remains as elusive as ever.

Beautiful photographs of Aalto's architecture. I don't think a monograph needs too many words. Weston provides the necessary dates and basic information, but luckilly keeps away from intellectualisations.

If you are one those who don't like boring books, and you like books to show good photografs, this is the book you have to buy about this great architect that ALVAR AALTO was. This book is one of my favourites and believe, i have plenty of book is my room. Amazing book and amazing photografs!

I love Alvar Aalto's architecture and i think this is book contains so beautiful photografs as his architecture is. Richard Weston on the best.

I would just like to say that this is one of the best architecture books i've seen up to date