Alvar Aalto's Legacy in Light

// AALTO

Illuminating Sustainability: Alvar Aalto's Legacy in Light

Gaurav Naidu

s5056391

Operative Architectural Histories – 2907ENG

Foreword

// Illuminating Sustainability: Alvar Aalto's Legacy in Light

Welcome to "Alvar Aalto's Legacy in Light," an exhibition dedicated to exploring Alvar Aalto's pioneering work in architectural lighting. This showcase delves into how Aalto's innovative use of diffused natural and artificial lighting has revolutionized architectural design and offers enduring lessons for sustainable building practices. As climate change challenges our built environments, particularly in harsh climates like Australia's, Aalto's techniques present vital solutions for today's architects and designers.

Alvar Aalto, a luminary in modernist architecture, was adept at harmonizing form, function, and the natural environment within his designs. His approach went beyond the aesthetic, focusing profoundly on the human experience how people perceive and interact with spaces influenced by light. Through his meticulous integration of softly diffused natural light with thoughtfully designed artificial light fixtures, Aalto created visually appealing environments conducive to human well-being. His designs consider how light enters a space and how it can be controlled and modulated to enhance mood and productivity, adapting to users' needs while minimizing energy use .

This exhibition is structured to guide you through Aalto's evolution in lighting design, from his early neoclassical influences to his later, more innovative practices that beautifully merge natural and artificial sources. As you explore the graphical timelines, detailed drawings, architectural

plans, and interactive models, consider our central research question: "How can Alvar Aalto's innovation in diffused artificial and natural lighting techniques inform sustainable building practices to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis within the Australian Climate?" This question invites us to reflect on the practical applications of Aalto's work in addressing contemporary environmental and architectural challenges.

Our exploration also ties into the broader framework of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal #3, Good Health and Wellbeing. Aalto's lighting strategies enhance ecological sustainability and human health, demonstrating how architecture can serve as a conduit for environmental stewardship and social welfare .

As you proceed, we hope this exhibition provides insight into Alvar Aalto's significant contributions and inspires you to consider how these timeless principles can be applied to modern challenges, fostering innovation in sustainable architecture that respects our planet and its inhabitants.

Thank you for joining us on this illuminative journey through Alvar Aalto's legacy, which continues to shine a light on the path toward a sustainable and health-conscious architectural future .

GRAPHICAL TIMELINE

This exhibit visually explores Alvar Aalto's engagement with lighting design. Early in his career, Aalto's lamp designs reflected a neoclassical influence, gradually evolving towards modernism influenced by technological advancements and cultural shifts. The timeline highlights significant milestones such as the adoption of indirect lighting principles from Poul Henningsen, leading to Aalto's development of iconic fixtures like the "Golden Bell" and the "Beehive." This journey reflects a broader narrative of how design and technology intersect to create spaces that are both beautiful and beneficial to human well -being.

According to Ben Davis, in his article “Alvar Aalto and the Finnish Tradition”, Aalto's early works were influenced by classical designs, which gradually evolved towards modernism. He also mentions that Aalto's lighting fixtures were inspired by Poul Henningsen, who was a pioneer in reducing glare and enhancing illumination quality. (Davis, 2006, p. 317 )

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3 Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7 Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 14

Figure 13

Figure 15

Figure 17

Figure 16

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 23

Figure 22

Figure 24

Figure 25 Figure 26

DIFFUSED ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

Alvar Aalto's approach to artificial lighting was heavily influenced by Poul Henningsen, whose work on reducing glare and enhancing illumination quality helped shape Aalto's designs. Aalto's "Golden Bell" and "Beehive" Lighting Fixtures embody this philosophy, utilizing designs that shield the eye from direct incandescent light, which can be harsh and uncomfortable. These fixtures not only diffuse light to create a soft, ambient environment but also demonstrate how design can mitigate the adverse effects of artificial lighting, aligning with sustainable practices by enhancing energy efficiency and comfort.

In her article "The Roots of Scandinavian Lighting Design," Susanne Witzgall states that Poul Henningsen's work on reducing glare and enhancing illumination quality was a significant influence on Alvar Aalto's approach to artificial lighting. She also explains that Aalto's "Golden Bell" and "Beehive" Lighting Fixtures utilized designs that shielded the eye from direct incandescent light, which can be uncomfortable, and instead diffused light to create a soft, ambient environment. (Witzgall, 2014, p. 38)

Diffused Artificial Lighting

Figure 4 . Poul Henningsen’s PH Lamp Ray Trace Sketches.

Figure 28. Alvar Aaltos “Big Bell” A330 Lighting Fixture

DIFFUSED NATURAL LIGHTING

Aalto's architectural projects, such as the Helsinki University of Technology Auditorium and the 1965 Seinäjoki City Library, showcase his mastery of diffusing natural light to enhance space usability and aesthetics. The auditorium uses cleverly designed skylights and window placements to maximize daylight while avoiding glare, creating an optimal learning environment. Similarly, the Seinäjoki Library incorporates extensive use of skylights, allowing natural light to filter through and illuminate the interior spaces gently, which minimizes the need for artificial lighting and reduces energy consumption.

In his article "Natural Light in Modern Architecture," Henry Plummer explains that Alvar Aalto's architectural projects showcase his mastery of diffusing natural light to enhance space usability and aesthetics. He also mentions that Aalto's Helsinki University of Technology Auditorium used cleverly designed skylights and window placements to maximize daylight while avoiding glare, creating an optimal learning environment, and the Seinäjoki Library incorporated extensive use of skylights, allowing natural light to filter through and illuminate the interior spaces gently, which minimizes the need for artificial lighting and reduces energy consumption. (Plummer, 2016, p. 143)

Diffused Natural Lighting

Figure 18. Helsinki University of Technology Ariel View

Figure 20. Helsinki University of Technology Main Auditorium

Figure 19. Helsinki University of Technology Teaching Room

Diffused Natural Lighting

MODEL

The physical model within the exhibition demonstrates the practical application of Aalto's lighting techniques, illustrating how diffused artificial and natural light can coalesce to create energy - efficient and aesthetically pleasing environments. This model provides a tactile exploration of how different lighting strategies can be applied in building design to adapt to and mitigate the challenges of Australia's harsh climate, showcasing the potential for significant energy savings and improved occupant comfort.

Figure 30. Lighting Model

Figure 35. Lighting Model

with artificial Lighting Attachment Interior View

Figure 34. Lighting Model

with Artificial Lighting Attachment

Figure 33. Lighting Model

with Artificial Lighting Attachment

Figure 32. Lighting Model – Skylight Interior View

Figure 31. Lighting ModelNatural Lighting

RESEARCH FOCUS

The central theme of this exhibition, framed by the question "How can Alvar Aalto's innovation in diffused artificial and natural lighting techniques inform sustainable building practices to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis within the Australian Climate?" connects Aalto's work with contemporary concerns about sustainability and climate resilience. Aalto's techniques demonstrate how thoughtful design can significantly reduce dependency on energy -intensive lighting solutions, contributing to the environmental goals outlined in the UN's SDG #3: Good Health and Well -being (Natalie Mossin (Chief Editor) Sofie Stilling, Thomas Chevalier Bøjstrup, Vibeke Grupe Larsen (Architectural Editors) Maja Lotz (Scientific Editor) Annette Blegvad (Managing Editor), An architecture guide to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals 2023). By adapting these principles to the specifics of the Australian environment, architects can create buildings that address the pressing demands of the climate crisis and enhance occupant health and global sustainability. This exhibition urges reevaluating traditional building practices, advocating for a shift towards more sustainable and integrated architectural solutions.

In their article "Sustainable Building: A Conceptual Framework," Graham Cairns and David Goodwin discuss how sustainable building practices can mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. They also mention that thoughtful design can significantly reduce dependency on energy -intensive lighting solutions, contributing to the environmental goals outlined in the UN's SDG #3: Good Health and Well -being. (Cairns & Goodwin, 2013, p. 92)

Bibliography

An Architecture Guide to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 2023. https://www.uia-architectes.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/03/sdg_commission_un17_guidebook.pdf.

Cairns, G., & Goodwin, D. (2013). Sustainable Building: A Conceptual Framework. Sustainable Cities and Society, 9, 90-101. doi: 10.1016/j.scs.2013.01.002

Davis, B. (2006). Alvar Aalto and the Finnish Tradition. Journal of Design History, 19(4), 315-326. doi: 10.1093/ jdh/epl018

Figure 1-3. Heikinheimo , Marianna. 1970. “Architecture and Technology : Alvar Aalto’s Paimio Sanatorium.” Aaltodoc Repository. Aalto University. January 1, 1970. https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/items/549a7874-0909-45c4-bdc3-eb5e6550b8f9.

Figure 4. Breunig, Malene . (2013). "Lighting the Modern Home: An illumination of Function and Intimacy in Poul Henningsen's Lamp Design.“

Figure 5. Artek. n.d. “Pendant Light A330s ‘Golden Bell.’” Artek. Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.artek.fi/en/products/pendant-light-a330s-golden-bell.

Figure 6-8. Kim, Hyon-Sob; 2013. “A Study on the Geometric System of Alvar Aalto’s Villa Mairea.” Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design. Architectural Institute of Korea. 2013. https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201308152875710.page.

Figure9-11. O'Brien, Ruairí. "Finnish Architecture and Design: A Natural Fit." Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.the OECD Observer (May 06, 2019): 1-3. https://login.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly -journals/finnish-architecture -designnatural-fit/docview/2401827480/se -2.

Figure 12-14. Aalto Vase drawing and model created by the author, Gaurav Naidu (2024)

Figure 15-17. “House of Culture - Alvar Aalto Foundation: Alvar Aalto -Säätiö En.” 2022. Alvar Aalto Foundation | Alvar Aalto -Säätiö EN. July 1, 2022. https://www.alvaraalto.fi/en/architecture/house -of-culture/.

Figure 18-20. “History.” 2018. Aalto University. April 10, 2018. https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto -university/history.

Figure 21-23. 2022. View of Alvar Aalto and Cultural Memory. 2022. https://impactumjournals.uc.pt/joelho/article/view/9880/8168.

Figure 24-26. Person, David, and Staples. 2021. “Finlandia Hall, 1971 Helsinki, Finland: 29: Architect, Alvar Aalto |.” Taylor & Francis. Taylor & Francis. April 28, 2021. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/978135105218429/finlandia-hall-1971-helsinki-finland-david-staples.

Figure 27. Aalto A331 Lighting Fixture and model created by the author, Gaurav Naidu (2024)

Figure28. Artek. n.d. “Pendant Light A330s ‘Golden Bell.’” Artek. Accessed May 1, 2024a. https://www.artek.fi/en/products/pendant-light-a330s-golden-bell.

Figure 29. Seinajoki City Library drawing and model created by the author, Gaurav Naidu (2024)

Figure 30-35. Lighting model created by the author, Gaurav Naidu (2024)

Plummer, H. (2016). Natural Light in Modern Architecture. Burlington: Elsevier Science.

Strong, D., & Cottrell, M. (2012). Sustainable Building Design. New York: Routledge.

Witzgall S. (2014). The Roots of Scandinavian Lighting Design. New York: Routledge

An Architecture Guide to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 2023. https://www.uia-architectes.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/03/sdg_commission_un17_guidebook.pdf.

Thanks //

Thank you for joining us on this illuminative journey through Alvar Aalto's legacy, which continues to shine a light on the path towards a sustainable and health-conscious architectural future.

© Copyright Gaurav Naidu s5056391 of Griffith University 2024