{"product_id":"alto-and-nature","title":"Alto and Nature - Tom Simons, Rainer Knapas","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlto and Nature – Tom Simons – Rainer Knapas (eds.)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAlvar Aalto's architecture is deeply rooted in the landscapes of his native Finland, drawing inspiration from its vast forests, shifting light and close relationship with nature. Yet his outlook was equally shaped by travels to the Mediterranean and the Near East, where encounters with ancient cultures broadened his architectural vision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis beautifully produced volume explores the central role of nature throughout Aalto's work. Less widely known is his parallel practice as a landscape architect; notably, he designed the gardens of Villa Mairea alongside the house itself, creating a true \u003ci\u003eGesamtkunstwerk\u003c\/i\u003e – a total work of art in which building and landscape form a seamless whole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRichly illustrated essays examine Aalto's approach to garden design and trace the influence of Mediterranean landscapes on the work of Elissa, Aino and Alvar Aalto. Complementing these studies are the remarkable photographs of Elina Brotherus, many commissioned especially for this publication. Her images capture Aalto's characteristic blurring of interior and exterior space while conveying the enduring beauty and atmosphere of the Finnish landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAn essential volume for architects, designers and admirers of Nordic modernism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Tom Simons, Rainer Knapas\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Birkhauser\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 240\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN: \u003c\/b\u003e978-3-0356-2884-5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication date:\u003c\/b\u003e May 2026\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tom Simons, Rainer Knapas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58071762338175,"sku":"9783035628845","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0263\/7797\/7910\/files\/AaltoandNature_Cover.jpg?v=1785317856","url":"https:\/\/bookshop.rias.org.uk\/products\/alto-and-nature","provider":"RIAS Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}