What do I want to achieve from my drawings of the Ahlstrom family home?

After a brilliant lecture on the Villa Mairea last week I grabbed some tracing paper and tried to identify what I wanted to depict and decipher how to do it. I decided to focus on three patterns evident in the building:

1. The environmental pattern. Reflecting the unique surroundings of this building, ie. a pine forest in Finland, in the finishes and architecture of the building.

2. The pattern formed from the relationship to site. Upon which, all key meeting and living areas are placed upon the ridge of the slope. This is largely symbolised through the placement of fireplaces, a traditional symbol of meeting.

3. The architectural and structural pattern developed to support human patterns of life. Through the use of poles, walls, screens and flooring Aalto creates a unique flow through the house from central space to perimeter spaces and finally outer spaces. It is interesting how Nordic traditions have appeared within this pattern.

Notes

Ground Floor - Supporting the Patterns of Life

Upper Floor - Supporting the Patterns of Living

Ground Plan - Forms From Nature

Ridge Line

The Meeting Place on the Ridge