Aalto

Aalto was always at the front. Having to mediate between the movement of Romantic Nationalism,  International Modernism he articulated particularity of place through a form of neo-classicism that resonates of the Kalevala, mythology and ritual. The Workers club complete with piano rustica and the a and 2xa proprtionality. 1924. The piano rustica resolves the changes in street level. The a provides porous and an active street frontage, the 2xa provides mass and mystery. The building addresses the north/south street but remains blind to the east/west.

Whilst these may be (in retrospect) tentative steps in making place, they provide indications of what is to come. He was 26. The building is serene and sublime. Restrained and measured.