Second Nature is the title of the Alvar Aalto retrospective that just opened at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is presented as the best known Finnish architect of his generation and a chief proponent of a human-centered modernism. Among his outstanding works are buildings such as the Paimio Sanatorium (1933) or Villa Mairea (1939), Aalto’s Paimio Chair (1931–1932) and his Stool 60 (1933), as well as his emblematic Savoy Vase (1936), which has become the symbol of Finnish Design. In this video, we attend the opening reception of the exhibition.

Alvar Aalto – Second Nature provides an extensive overview of Alvar Aalto’s life and work, including historical architectural models, original drawings, furniture, lights and glassware, as well as works by other acclaimed artists like Alexander Calder or Jean Arp. The exhibition is accompanied by the work of German artist Armin Linke, who has been commissioned to produce new photographs and films of selected buildings.

Alvar Aalto: Second Nature. Retrospective at Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein (Germany). Vernissage, September 26, 2014.

> Right-click (Mac: ctrl-click) this link to download Quicktime video file.