Elissa Aalto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elissa Aalto
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Elissa Aalto in 1959
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| Born |
Elsa Kaisa Mäkiniemi
22 November 1922 Kemi, Finland
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| Died | 12 April 1994 (aged 71) Helsinki, Finland
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| Nationality | Finnish |
| Alma mater | Helsinki University of Technology |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse(s) | Alvar Aalto (m. 1952–76; his death) |
| Projects | Aalto Theatre Rovaniemi Town Hall |
Elissa Aalto (born Elsa Kaisa Mäkiniemi, 22 November 1922 – 12 April 1994) was a Finnish architect. She was known for her important work in architecture, especially alongside her famous husband, Alvar Aalto. She played a key role in designing many buildings and projects.
Becoming an Architect
Elissa Aalto studied architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology. She finished her studies and graduated in 1949. In the same year, she started working at the architecture office of Alvar Aalto.
Working with Alvar Aalto
Elissa and Alvar Aalto got married in 1952. She was 29 years old, and he was 54. They did not have any children together. At the time they married, Alvar was working on the Säynätsalo Town Hall. During this time, he bought an island plot near a lake. Here, he built a summer home for himself and Elissa. This home was called the Experimental House.
Elissa was involved in all the design competitions the office took part in. She helped with many important projects.
Continuing the Legacy
After Alvar Aalto passed away in 1976, Elissa took charge of the architecture office. She made sure that all the unfinished projects were completed. One important project she finished was the Essen Opera House.
She also worked on updating and restoring buildings that Alvar Aalto had designed. An example of this is the Rovaniemi Town Hall. Elissa Aalto also made sure that Alvar Aalto's original drawings were given to the Alvar Aalto Foundation. This made it easier for researchers to study his work.
Elissa Aalto died in 1994. She was buried next to her husband in the Hietaniemi cemetery in Helsinki.
See also
In Spanish: Elissa Aalto para niños
