During my visit to the World Design Capital 2012 in Helsinki I also had the opportunity to stop by Cafe Aalto, designed by the famous architect, located inside the Akateeminen Kirjakauppa (Academic Bookstore) building called the Kirjatalo (Book House), which was also designed by Aalto.
The interesting thing about the cafe itself is really the furniture. There are many pieces of furniture inside the cafe – including tables and chairs – that were designed by Aalto, but was intended for another cafe in the building next door called the Rautatalo (the Iron Horse). Til this day, these pieces have never been in production and don’t even have names. They include the black leather chairs and the wood and marble tables. The brass lamps above the tables were also designed by Aalto.
Coupled with these are the famous Ant chairs by Danish designer Arne Jacobsen.
Perhaps when you’re in Helsinki next time, check out the cafe and immerse yourself in the world of Aalto.