This beautiful book examines the design achievements of Finland over the past seven decades, focusing on the central and decisive role played by Modernism. It discusses the work of such renowned architects and designers as Alvar Aalto and Kaj Franck, as well as of manufacturers, including Arabia and Marimekko.

"Applied art and design have shaped culture and the economy in Finland since the late 19th century. In this process they have become an integral aspect of the identity and international image of the country. This book outlines the evolution of design in Finland from the founding stages of the 1870s to the beginning of the 21st century. It focuses on its main underlying factors -- industries, training and education, culture, designers and products. Design has operated in the tension between art and industry, and continues to do so, belonging to both but never exclusively to either one."--Publisher's description.

"Out of the Blue showcases Finlands unique design culture from legendary figures like Alvar Aalto and heritage manufacturers such as Marimekko, Iittala, Artek, or Nokia to a new contemporary generation of chefs, explorers, makers, and entrepreneurs. The book takes an insightful and entertaining look at the typical Finnish characteristics of inventiveness, community spirit, love of liberty, ongoing transformation, and the free rein to be wacky"--provided by publisher.

This book - the first comprehensive study of Marimekko designs - presents more than one hundred examples of exuberant Marimekko fashions and home furnishings that gave the company a definitive presence on the world design stage.

Explores the special Finnish version of the man-made in the context of unspoiled nature, of modern design and its relationship to folk styles of the past

Growing out of a 15-year friendship and dialogue between Malcolm Quantrill and Juha Leiviska, this book explores Leiviska's background and influences on his development, including how he draws upon musical forms and ideas as architural inspiration.

Summer is when Finland is at its spellbinding best. Emerging from a seven-month long winter, Finns head outdoors to savor the magical light of the all-too-brief Scandinavian summer. Cityscapes give way to pristine lakes, endless forests, and idyllic seaside vistas. The Finnish summer house offers a unique opportunity for their owners to relax, get back intouch with nature, and enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, and hiking. Not surprisingly, the architecture of the Finnish summer house occupies an almost mythic, even mystical, place in the hearts of their inhabitants as well as their architects. Indeed, many Finnish architects regard the design of their own summer residence or weekend studio as one of their most important works. For them, the summer house is not only a place to spend leisure time, but also a chance to study specific technical details and experiment with new spatial concepts. Finnish Summer Houses presents in detail twenty villas, cottages, and cabins by architects such as Eliel Saarinen, Oiva Kallio, Alvar Aalto, and Juhani Pallasmaa, among many others. Authors Jari and Sirkkaliisa Jetsonen use contemporary photographs, archival images, drawings, and plans to illustrate the diversity found in the designs of Finnish summer residences. From Lars Sonck's Lasses Villa (1895), with its traditional farmhouse elements, and Alvar Aalto's Muuratsalo Experimental House (195254) to Erkki Kairamo's sparse Villa Aulikki (19952003), which seems to grow out of its landscape, the works in this book are of a highly personal nature; indeed, most of the summer houses are still used by the architect or the families of their children. The very best examples of these fantastic summer homes are collected here, making Finnish Summer Houses an inspiration for anyone dreaming about a summer home of their own.