%C2%A9 Alvar Aalto %2F Alvar Aalto Foundation
Armchair, Model No. 31, 1931-1932
Laminated birch, bent plywoodexpand_more
Gift of funds from Dolly J. Fitermanexpand_more 98.176
Not on Viewexpand_more
This armchair is one of several designed by the celebrated architect Alvar Aalto during the period in which he was building a tuberculosis sanitarium at Paimio, Finland (1929-33). Built as a free cantilever, a principle previously applied only to metal furniture, this armchair carried the use of curved plywood beyond the closed frame of his earlier "Paimio" model as the plywood seat and back are suspended between two U-shaped loops constructed of thick plywood laminate.
The technical virtuosity achieved in this chair derives from Aalto's socially-conscious philosophy of architecture and design. In the 1955 lecture, "Between Humanism and Materialism," he summarized the challenge of the modern architect, stating, "It is still the architect's duty to attempt to humanize the age of machines. But this should not be done without regard for form. Form is a mystery that defies definition but gives people a feeling of pleasure." While creating designs for practical and institutional use, Aalto's choice of natural materials over metal underscores these principles and distinguishes his career. In this example, the visible plywood grain on the seating surface along with the curved shape blend natural and formal beauty.
Details
- Title
- Armchair, Model No. 31
- Artist Life
- 1898–1976
- Role
- Designer
- Accession Number
- 98.176
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.
© Alvar Aalto / Alvar Aalto Foundation