| Alvar Aalto's relationships with architectural modernism can best be understood in terms of two intersecting trajectories: the large historical transformations caused by modernization (in this case, the birth of nation states on one hand and the increased internationalization of societies on the other) and the particularities of his own persona (certain restlessness and malleability). As a biography, this dissertation engages what sociologist Anthony Giddens has called the "extensionality" and "intentionality" of modernity. Aalto is examined as a subject whose actions were informed by the intellectual ideas and social situations around him as well as an agent motivated by personal preferences, calculated choices, even limitations.; The dissertation highlights that Aalto, well before he was exposed to architectural modernism, was aware that the ability to transcend national origins lies at the heart of becoming "modern." As a consequence the relationship to his native Finland was ambivalent as increased exposure to other cultures through travel and media allowed Aalto to transform from a small-town-boy first to an aspiring cosmopolite and further to an active member in the international Modern Movement. I will acknowledge that this exposure to other cultures effected his relationship to his country of origin. The chapters, organized chronologically, will trace how Aalto addressed the relationship between national culture and international influence in his writings; how he came to represent these ideas in his buildings; how he saw his role within the international arena at different times (a cosmopolite, a mediator, an Anti-Finn, a patriot); how he was influenced by Finnish and foreign theories about the Finnish nation; and lastly, how he responded to his international reception, which often saw him in essentialist terms as a quintessentially Finnish architect. I will even argue that Aalto's openness to other cultures was shaped and in turn shaped how Finland as a nation came to define its position within the international community.; The chapters are organized around the places where Aalto lived or to which frequently traveled during the most formative part of his career between 1916--1941: Helsinki, Jyvaskyla, Turku, Stockholm, continental Europe, Switzerland and New York. Each place exposed him to particular social structures, intellectual cultures, artistic ideas and imagery, and most importantly, to new set of friends. He in turn was quick to immerse himself in new situations and, in so doing, transformed, at least temporarily, the intellectual and artistic position as well as his persona, on this micro-level the dissertation explores the issue of artistic and intellectual influence, which resulted in personal and local appropriations and even distortions of the key ideas within the international Modern Movement. |
