Project 1: Final Drawings & Model

(Exterior Ground Floor Plan)

(Interior Ground Floor Plan)

(First Floor Plan)

(Sections- Top Section cutting east -west; Bottom Section cutting north-south)

(Axonometric)

Images of Final Group Model

Project 1: Villa Mairea (Alvar Aalto)

The Villa Mairea was designed as a private residence for Maire and Harry Gullichsen on the Ahlstrom family estate in Noormarkku, near Pori, Finland, around 1938-39. For the first project, the key attributes of this building that was analysed and explored, which were reflected through my drawings and the group model were: 1) The relationship of this building with its surrounding landscape. It was evident when studying this structure that the local topography heavily influences the design of this building, and this is expressed by the richly articulated 'organic' textures of many of the interior spaces, particularly those on the bottom floor.
2) The juxtaposition of the 'organic' (natural) and 'inorganic' (synthetic) components of the structure. Much of the exterior walls are cement made, with the exception of the sauna, and a small portion of the curved facade and balustrade at the western end of the building. My interpretation of this is that according to Finnish mythology, the forest was both a revered and feared entity, as there are 'good' and 'evil' deities roaming the forest, hence a culmination of natural and man made elements making up the facade could suggest a desire to embrace nature into the environment we are inhibiting, as well as a need to be protected by the dangers posed by nature.
3) The separation of the private and public spaces. The bottom floor of the building is intended as a public space for entertaining, while the upper level is designed to be more private, as that is where the bedrooms are located. Also the prominent L-shaped design of this building is intended to create a semi private enclosure (the courtyard space and the swimming pool).
4) Villa Mairea followed a 'free' plan, however each of the grid space was not equal. This was intended to draw other spaces into a central space. The living room is an example of an interior central space.
5) Interconnected diversity of the different spaces. Each space offered a different environment for the occupant in order to support their development. It was important for Aalto to ensure that these spaces harmoniously complimented each other.
6) A ridge line, where two environments may meet or be separated (usually at the fireplace, which serves as a boundary for the internal and external spaces.