Juxtaposition can have a huge impact on architecture, particularly if properties manage to be rooted in place and make great use of the location. There are a number of these buildings in locations all around the world. If the same design was used in a different area it wouldn’t work anywhere near as well. This makes the properties extra special.
One such building that has had a big impact on our team at Coffey Architects is the Säynätsalo Town Hall by celebrated Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. We recently discussed our views on the property and the inspiration it had been to us in an article for Architects Journal.
One of the hallmarks of Aalto’s architecture is he uses the surrounding landscapes to play a role in not only his designs but also the experiences people have. Säynätsalo Town Hall is no different. It is located in a beautiful forested area and this immerses the building. The forest is mimicked in the design, particularly in the vertical slots seen across the upper section.
The design is also influenced by the different horizontal and vertical planes seen in the Finnish landscape. This same layered juxtaposition is seen in various aspects of the design. The scale of the Town Hall means these elements are relatively easy to spot.
The materials selected for the design are heavily influenced by the landscape. Although the brick, slate, stone and timbers are natural they have a wonderful palette. On top of this they give the property a wonderful contemporary look and feel. On top of this the durability of the materials makes them practical for everyday use.
A great detail of the property is that the bricks are placed in a variety of ways to create a really innovative look. This gives the building a playful look at times, overcoming the mechanical feel that many properties have when brick is used less creatively.
We are always happy to share the passion we have for designs with our clients. This is one of the reasons why we are regarded as a leading architect in London. We can help people to explore designs, find out more about our inspirations, and find the perfect design to suit every need. If you would like to find out more about why we love Aalto’s work we urge you to check out the Architects Journal article.