Alvar Aalto: Technology and Nature (1987): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1987, Alvar Aalto: Technology and Nature is a documentary film directed by Ywe Jalander, running about 59 minutes.

What it’s about. The Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) is one of the great figures of modern architecture, ranked alongside Gropius, Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe. This film analyses Aalto’s uniquely successful resolution of the demands and possibilities created by new technology and construction materials with the need to make his buildings sympathetic both to their users and to their natural surroundings. His inventive use of timber in particular represents both a reference to the forest landscape of Finland and a building material that is ‘warm’ and extremely adaptable. Filmed in Finland, Italy, Germany and the USA, this documentary shows how the Finnish natural environment and art traditions were essential elements in Aalto’s pioneering harmonization of technology and nature.

Who’s in it. Alvar Aalto: Technology and Nature stars Alvar Aalto as Himself (Archive footage), Maire Gullichsen as Herself and Elissa Aalto as Herself.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Alvar Aalto: Technology and Nature has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Alvar Aalto: Technology and Nature page.

If you liked it. Fans of Alvar Aalto: Technology and Nature tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.