The Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C. was designed by Heikkinen-Komonen Architects in 1994. It’s immediately what you would expect out of Finland: clean minimalism and greenery.
The daylighting of Alvar Aalto is evident as light penetrates through the tall reception space and other strategic areas. The visitor greets blocky geometric forms and a variety of transparencies. Once inside, the visitor peers through metal and glass out into the planted forests of the site. There is a close connection to nature and a value for well-lighted, large work spaces.
Spherical shapes inside, such as the curved staircase, bring more complexity, also suggesting an exchange of cultures at this important site inside the United States capital. Compare with D.C’s Swiss Embassy.
