Finnish Architecture and the Modernist Tradition

This is the first comprehensive study of Finnish architecture in the twentieth century. It examines the evolution of the various styles and movements to emerge in Finland since the end of the nineteeth century, beginning with national romanticism, progressing through romantic classicism, functionalism, neo-romanticism, cultural-regionalism, rationalism, high modernism, neo-constructivism and the post-modern tendenza. In painting the broad canvas of Finnish architecture throughout the twentieth century it also relates such key figures as Alvar Aalto and Reima Pietila to the landscape as a whole, while introducing other significant figures such as Erik Bryggman, Pauli and Aulis Blomstedt and Aarno Ruusuvouri. Among the more recent work reviewed is that of Juha Leiviska, Helin and Siitonen, Pekka Pitkanen, Jarvinen and Airas, and Nurmela, Raimoranta and Tasa. This is the third of Professor Quantrill's studies in modern Finnish architecture and follows books on Alvar Aalto (1983) and Reima Pietila (1985). This thorough critical study by one of the leading authorities on modern Finnish architecture is generously illustrated; many of the photographs are taken by the author and the text is well illustrated by plans, sections and other architectural drawings. This unique work provides a new standard reference work for architects, scholars and students in the area of Scandinavian culture.