Elna Kiljander facts for kids
Elna Julia Sofia Kiljander (born November 4, 1889 – died March 21, 1970) was a very important architect from Finland. She was one of the first women in her country to become an architect. People remember her for designing great homes, modern kitchens, and stylish furniture. One of her most famous buildings was the Ensi-Koti home in Helsinki, which had a special style called Functionalism.
About Her Life
Elna Kiljander was born on November 4, 1889, in a place called Sortavala. Her father, Nikolai Nils Kilander, was a music teacher. Her mother, Julia Svensson, was from Sweden.
When Elna was nine years old, her father passed away in 1898. After that, her family moved to Helsinki.
Elna studied hard and became an architect. She graduated from the Helsinki University of Technology in 1915. For a short time, she taught graphic design in a place called Povenets in Russian Karelia. She came back to Finland the next year.
Her Work and Style
Elna Kiljander became very interested in a design style called Functionalism. This happened after she visited a big exhibition in Stockholm in 1930. Functionalism means designing things to be useful and simple, without too much decoration.
She started using this style in her building designs. She also created modern kitchen designs for the Martha Association, a group that helps with home economics.
One of her most important projects was the Ensi-Koti home. This home was built for single mothers and their children. Elna herself had been a single mother, so she understood how important such a place was.
Elna also started an interior design business called Koti-Hemmet with her friend, Marianne Strengell. There, Elna designed furniture that was quite similar to the famous designs of Alvar Aalto. Her work had a big impact on how homes in Finland looked in the 1930s.
Later Years
Elna Kiljander was a strong supporter of women's rights. She joined Architecta, which was a group for women architects in Finland, when it started in 1942. She made many important contributions to the history of architecture in Finland.
Elna Kiljander passed away in Helsinki on March 21, 1970.
See also
In Spanish: Elna Kiljander para niños
