Ceiling lamp model A335B, designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland. 1970's.
Brass and lacquered metal.
Alvar Aalto was an important architect and designer from Finland. His creative work included not only architecture, but also furniture design, lighting, glassware, sculpture and painting. Although he did not consider himself an artist, he saw painting and sculpture as "branches of the tree whose trunk is architecture".
There was a phase in Aalto's work that lasted several years and focused on pure functionalism. This phase enabled him to achieve international success, particularly through the Paimio Sanatorium (1929-1933), which is considered a significant functionalist milestone. Aalto integrated the principles of user-friendly, functional design into his architecture and it was typical for him to view each building as a total work of art - including furniture and lighting elements.
His furniture design combined practical requirements and aesthetic demands with series production, thus helping to make everyday life in the home more beautiful.