AD-X Part III: On the Trail of Aalto

Not content with the previous night's frolicking through the woods, about a third of the group trekked up to the top of the ski slope in dribs and drabs to check out the sunrise. However, as the intense and motivated people we are, my bus buddy Jennifer and I were the first ones to the top, and the first ones back down. The sunrise was absolutely breathtaking, but sadly we both forgot our cameras, so you'll just have to take my word for it.


Our first stop was Säynätsalo Town Hall.

This is typical Aalto.

Sweet shot, no?

And a completely gratuitous shot of the Finnish countryside. Fun fact: there are 188,000 lakes in Finland. That's one per every 29 people.

Then it was off to Jyväskylä University, designed by, wait for it... Alvar Aalto.

Inside the auditorium.

If you come across a red brick building in Finland, chances are it's an Aalto original.

The view from the tree Jennifer and I spent our lunch hour in.

Last stop of the day was Kuokkalan Church. It was just completed this year. It was designed by Lassila Hirvilammi Architects, and is really a fantastic building.

It's a very interesting shape.

Looks kind of like a big chunk of slightly dull obsidian.

But the inside is light and warm and inviting.

And then it was off to Helsinki. We were all pleasantly surprised to learn that we were spending our nights there in a hotel, and being fed the first night in a really nice restaurant. Way to pull through DIS.