Architect Aarne Ervi
01.12.2010 - 20.02.2011
Kasarmikatu 24, Museum of Finnish Architecture, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
Ervi's name is usually first associated with Tapiola, a district in the city of Espoo, for which a garden city plan attracting wide international attention was created in a joint effort by leading Finnish architects, most importantly Ervi. His other significant designs include the seven monumental power plants on the Oulujoki and Emajoki rivers and the adjacent housing, at its time the biggest construction site in Finland, the Porthania building of the University of Helsinki, in which Ervi tried out innovative prefabricated technologies, and various buildings at the University of Turku campus. One of his last works is the Toolo library in Helsinki, which opens out onto a park through its large glass windows and many terraces.
Aarne Ervi was also a wellknown socialite and public figure. Ervi and his second wife, the actor Rauni Luoma, entertained the most prominent cultural figures of the time at Villa Ervi, their home in the Kuusisaari neighbourhood of Helsinki. His wide network of contacts was evident in the clientele of his architectural office: for instance, he was commissioned to design a skiing and fishing lodge for Urho Kekkonen, the President of Finland.
Interior designs played a significant role in Ervi's work, and he was one of the first Finnish architects to hire interior designers for his office. The exhibition highlights Ervi's natural and humane attitude toward his fellow man, as well as the essence of his architecture. Ervi's architecture is harmonious, controlled and comfortable. It opens up and leaves room for the human being.
The exhibition shows a wide array of original materials from the museum's extensive Ervi collection. On show are also new photographs that complement other contemporary materials, new and original scale models, and furniture and film materials that illustrate the period. 
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December 2010
