Alvar Aalto Architect, vol. 5: Paimio Sanatorium 1929-33

Alvar Aalto Architect - Paimio Sanatorium 1929-33 takes you to the Finnish sanatorium designed by Alvar Aalto. The book consists of several articles that paint a detailed picture of the historical stages of the sanatorium as well as the architecture and interior design created by Aalto. The book also provides a review of the impact Paimio and other sanatoriums had in the war against tuberculosis.

Immediately on its completion, the Paimio Sanatorium was heralded as an international success, and established the basis for Alvar Aalto’s reputation as one of the most notable modern architects in the world.

The book takes the reader on a tour of Paimio: the main building comprised of separate wings, the recreational grounds, staff residences and other buildings that served the sanatorium. Also presented are the historical stages of the sanatorium, from the initial architectural competition to the closure of the hospital. The sanatorium, now over eighty years old, was extended and renovated numerous times as its functions changed. In addition to its unique architecture, Paimio is also known for its fine interior design solutions. The lamps, furniture and other details designed by Aalto are characterised, in addition to their practicality, by their beauty. Hence many of them are coveted design objects and are still in serial production.

Building Information Ltd (Rakennustieto Oy) is a Finnish publishing and media house that provides construction information on a large scale. The company was founded in 1974 and it is owned by the Finnish Building Information Foundation.