The Viipuri Library in Vyborg, Russia, was designed and built by modernist Finnish architect Alvar Aalto between 1927 and 1935. At the time of construction the land was held by Finland. However, as a result of shifting borders during WWII, Vyborg became part of Russia. Aalto’s library is considered a milestone in the history of modern architecture. (...)
The Viipuri Library in Vyborg, Russia, was designed and built by modernist Finnish architect Alvar Aalto between 1927 and 1935. At the time of construction the land was held by Finland. However, as a result of shifting borders during WWII, Vyborg became part of Russia. Aalto’s library is considered a milestone in the history of modern architecture. The building exemplifies features that would later become defining characteristics of Aalto’s modernist work. These features include undulating ceilings, a free flowing plan and sectional spaces, the use of lighting and plantings, and the incorporation of wood. Aalto’s highly reasoned and unique design approach, in conjunction with a new palette of for modern buildings materials, led to the blending of spare forms with Aalto’s appreciation of the natural and social conditions of northern Europe at the time. The library building was designed with an inner rectangular space, similar to a classical cella, enclosed by pared down, undecorated facades. The ceilings are a unique feature of the library. One ceiling, located in the reading area, is an arrangement of gradually stepped planes pierced by numerous round skylights. The ceiling in the library’s public assembly room is distinguished by an undulating textured wood.
