New Forms in Wood, La Biennale di Venezia 2012
New Forms in Wood was Finland’s official entry at the Venice Biennale in Architecture 2012. It was also the first exhibition in the newly restored Alvar Aalto pavilion. The exhibition responded to both its surroundings and Finland’s traditional building material by highlighting innovative wood buildings by young Finnish architects.
Esa Vesmanen and his Pure Design team designed the architecture for the exhibition. Design of the exhibition followed the principles of the “Common Ground” theme outlined by the curator David Chipperfield. The exhibition design was lightweight, sustainable and durable. Special care was given to the structure of the wooden furniture and the lighting of the exhibition to respect the architecture of Alvar Aalto.
New Forms in Wood was organised by the Museum of Finnish Architecture. Part of the World Design Helsinki 2012 program, the exhibition was supported by Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture, World Design
Museum of Finnish Architecture
Dwell – Refinishing Alvar Aalto’s Finnish Pavilion / slideshow
NeFormsDwell – Refinishing Alvar Aalto’s Finnish Pavilion / slideshow
in Wood exhibition highlights the work of young Finnish architects who have used wood inventively in their recent works. Wood has always been a favoured building material in Finland. Nature and the forest have provided a livelihood and enduring source of inspiration for our art and architecture. Today, wood continues to fascinate Finnish architects, who are unleashing new creative potential through the use of modern technology and new treatment methods.