Aalto University's Wood Program and the MFA in South Korea
12.11.2013
Aalto University's Wood Program and the Museum of Finnish Architecture opened an exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Art in South Korea presenting 22 examples of experimental wooden architecture from Finland as part of the 'Nordic Passion' program on architecture and design from the Nordic countries.
Linking to the rich traditions of carpentry and building in the North, the exhibition uses the theme of experimentation to explore projects that test new techniques, materials and forms of wood construction. 12 large scale wooden models from the Wood Program are presented alongside 10 works of architecture built or planned in Finland since the Second World War.
Varying dramatically in scale, function, and architectural character, the projects demonstrate the ingenuity and spirit of experimentation that bring forward new possibilities through the development of wooden structures, surfaces and joints.
For centuries across the Nordic region skills, techniques and tools evolved generation after generation through experimentation and repetition. Solutions were built, tested, repaired and revised until they could meet the difficult demands of the Northern climate.
Over the past 60 years new materials, techniques, and industrial capacities have radically expanded the possibilities for building in wood but the same spirit of experimentation and self discovery remains visible.
In addition to some 30 architectural models and 50 student experiments, the exhibition space is framed by 4 columns reassembled from the World Design Capital Pavilion which stood in Helsinki during the summer of 2012.
The exhibition has been curated and designed by Philip Tidwell and Pekka Heikkinen of Aalto University with assistance from Anastasiia Ieremenok and support from The Museum of Finnish Architecture.
Exhibited Projects:
Aalto University Wood Program Projects
Rihla Gateway - 2006
Teltta Sauna - 2005
Väijy Tower - 2008
Koe Sauna - 2012
Luukku House - 2010
Piiri House - 2013
Kupla Tower - 2002
Net-Like Structure - 2000
Liina Transitional Shelter - 2011
WDC Pavilion - 2012
Tree House Pavilion - 2007
Lastu Sauna - 2003
Finnish Architectural Projects
Servin Mökki - 1952 - Heikki and Kaija Siren
Serlachius Museum Extension - 2014 - MX_SI Architectural Studio with Huttunen-Lipasti-Pakkanen Architects
St. Henry's Ecumenical Art Chapel - 2005 - Sanaksenaho Architects
Wood City - 2015 - Anttinen Oiva Architects
Kärsämäki Shingle Church - 2003 - Anssi Lassila with the Oulu University Wood Studio
Kamppi Chapel - 2012 - K2S Architects
Vallila Library and Day Care Center - 1991 - Helander Leiviskä Architects
Helsinki Central Library - 2016 - ALA
Villa Kotilo - 2006 - Olavi Koponen + Ilkka Tukiainen
Moduli 225 - 1968 - Juhani Pallasmaa + Kristian Gullichsen