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A new administrative centre for the municipality was planned for the park-like area between the old Church of Gabriel, designed by C. L. Engel, and the Youth Association building, designed by Aalto, as early as 1965, though Alajärvi was not granted city rights until 1986.

Designed in

1966–69

Location

Alajärvi, Finland

— 1

Early sketch of the Municipal Hall. Drawing © Alvar Aalto -säätiö.

— 2

Municipal Hall. Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 3

Elevation of the municipal centre. Drawing © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 4

A park for citizens to enjoy and gather together is an integral part of the municipal centre. Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

— 5

Parish centre interior. Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

Guided tours

For self-guided tours, Information about Aalto sites in Alajärvi can be found in front of the Municipal library.

In addition, all Aalto-buildings have information boards.

MUNICIPAL HALL 1967

The building is wedge-shaped in plan, with the municipal council chamber located at the wider end. Along the central corridor are the workspaces of the municipal authorities. Municipal Hall hierarchy is emphasised by classical themes, such as the clerestory windows that provide natural light.

Aalto had used a similar structure, for instance, in the library reading room in Otaniemi, where he wanted to maximize the amount of natural light. The lamps and furniture in the council chamber were specially designed for the building. Ceramic rod tiles and specially designed lamps enrich the interiors of the Municipal Hall.

Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

HEALTH CENTRE 1966–70

The health centre moved from the old Aalto-designed hospital in around 1970. The health centre was relatively short-lived, as it ceased operations in 1982. Since then, it has been occupied by various municipal operators.

Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

PARISH CENTRE 1966–70

The parish centre is located at the junction of two powers – on one side is the old church and on the other the municipal hall. During the design phase, the parish centre was larger in size than what was eventually built.

A plan for an extension to the parish centre was made in 1984, and in 1987 changes were made to the building, mainly to the kitchen and restaurant facilities, under the direction of architect Heikki Tarkka.

Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

MUNICIPAL LIBRARY 1991

The municipal library concluded the administrative centre as the final work to be completed by the Aalto office under the direction of Elissa Aalto in 1991. In the Aalto office, architect Heikki Tarkka was involved in the project for many years.

In Aalto’s office, the library’s furniture and interior design were carried out by interior architect Varpu Lönnström in close cooperation with the library’s director, Sirkka-Liisa Koponen. Draft designs for a youth centre were also made for a neighbouring building, but it was never realised.

Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.

More information

Aalto-buildings in Alajärvi City website (in Finnish)

Alvar Aalto Week 2024 is organized in Alajärvi. Event website (in Finnish)

Photo: Maija Holma © Alvar Aalto Foundation.