Famous for modern architecture, Finland drew inspiration from its pioneers of modernism 1930-55. Particularly in Helsinki these masterpieces articulated a youthful and vigorous city, complementing the archipelagos historic centre. After World War II, heroic Finland was extensively rebuilt. Finland sprang to the worlds attention in art and design. In the figure of Alvar Aalto and other dynamic architects, the nation was seen as an international leader for modern architecture. Many young architects from abroad, including the author, were attracted to Helsinki to share this excellence and optimism. Spurred by the Olympic Games in 1952, architectural competitions, international fairs and travel, Helsinkis iconic buildings are a joy to discover either on foot or by tram.
Moorhouses personal guide offers the visitor glimpses into this varied, cultivated, public and intimate city with 98 choice pencil drawings.
JONATHAN MOORHOUSE
HELSINKI . PIONEERS OF MODERNISM
1930-55 . WALKS
Famous for modern architecture, Finland drew inspiration from its pioneers of modernism 1930-55. Particularly in Helsinki these masterpieces articulated a youthful and vigorous city, complementing the archipelagos historic centre. After World War II, heroic Finland was extensively rebuilt. Finland sprang to the worlds attention in art and design. In the figure of Alvar Aalto and other dynamic architects, the nation was seen as an international leader for modern architecture. Many young architects from abroad, including the author, were attracted to Helsinki to share this excellence and optimism. Spurred by the Olympic Games in 1952, architectural competitions, international fairs and travel, Helsinkis iconic buildings are a joy to discover either on foot or by tram.
Moorhouses personal guide offers the visitor glimpses into this varied, cultivated, public and intimate city with 98 choice pencil drawings.
Jonathan Moorhouse, is an architect and has lived in Helsinki since 1963. He is principal author of Helsinki Jugendstil Architecture 1895-1915 (1987); writer and illustrator of Helsinki Jugendstil - Art Nouveau Promenades (1998), and Helsinki: Birth of the Classic Capital Promenades (2003).
