Frequently asked questions

1. Who was Göran Schildt and what relationship did he have with Alvar Aalto?

Göran Schildt was a Finland-Swedish author and art historian. He was a close friend of Alvar Aalto and became his official biographer. Their friendship was the foundation for the creation of Villa Skeppet.

2. What is Villa Skeppet and what does Alvar Aalto have to do with the house?

Villa Skeppet is a private home designed by Alvar Aalto for Göran and Christine Schildt. It is the last private residential house Aalto designed before his death.

3. Why is Villa Skeppet an important example of Alvar Aalto’s architecture?

Villa Skeppet showcases Aalto’s late style with personal and humanistic architecture. The house combines functionality with artistic sensibility, typical of Aalto’s work.

4. Where is Villa Skeppet located and can you visit it?

Villa Skeppet is located in Ekenäs (Raseborg), Finland. It is open for guided visits at certain times – see our website for current information.

5. How did Alvar Aalto influence Göran Schildt’s life and work?

Alvar Aalto inspired Schildt’s writing and worldview. Schildt wrote a comprehensive three-part biography about Aalto’s life and work.

6. What makes Villa Skeppet unique among Alvar Aalto’s buildings?

The personal interaction between architect and client makes Villa Skeppet unique. The house is an expression of friendship, cultural interest, and Aalto’s humanistic design philosophy.

7. What role does Christine and Göran Schildt’s foundation play for Villa Skeppet today?

The foundation manages Villa Skeppet and works to promote interest in Alvar Aalto, culture, and architecture through exhibitions, events, and research.

8. What style does Villa Skeppet represent in Alvar Aalto’s architectural history?

Villa Skeppet is an example of Aalto’s late modernism, where he combined organic forms with personal details and materials with a warm feeling.

9. Are there other Alvar Aalto buildings you can visit in Finland?

Yes, Alvar Aalto’s architecture can be found in many parts of Finland, for example Villa Mairea, Finlandia Hall, Aalto’s home and Studio Aalto in Helsinki.

10. How can I learn more about Alvar Aalto’s life and work?

A good way is to visit Villa Skeppet and take part in the work of Christine and Göran Schildt’s foundation. Additionally, Göran Schildt’s biographies about Aalto are recommended.