Documentation photography of Finnish Architect, Alvar Aalto's Maison Louis Carré in Poissy, France.

When documenting Maison Louis Carré, I sought to capture the character and minute details of the classic Alvar Aalto design.

The landscape is unique and specific to its purpose, fit with garden terraces that are spread in a very specific manner in relation to the home and site. The exterior of the home, although situated in Poissy, France has distinct Finnish characteristics. From the copper roof that slopes with the landscape, to the window louvers and crates at the doorways. The interior is filled with original designs in furniture and lighting, fit with unique characteristics and signature Alvar Aalto details.

The emphasis on lighting documentation is an effort to focus on the classical Finnish designs of Aalto and understand the quality that they emit to enhance the space.

Lying just beyond the heart of France, the modernist villa designed by Swiss Architect Le Corbusier and his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret remains an architectural gem. While documenting, I focused on means of spatial transitions, vertical circulation, and linear forms throughout the home.

Villa Savoye | Poissy, France

Individual Study : Où puis-je aller? | Spatial Order

Seeing that Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret's architectural landmark, Villa La Roche, also known as Maison La Roche was within walking distance of my visits, the special venture was necessary.

Villa La Roche's interior is filled with charismatic qualities and a beautiful array of saturation. The home is fit with natural colors mixed with rich tones. From baseboards to radiators, and light fixtures to works of art, transitioning spaces with pops of color and a cohesive mixing of hues, something new lies around every corner.

Munich is a special place to me. Its character is vivid, historical, classic, yet still seemingly unknown to me. 

The Old Town is something from the tales we hear as children, with an intriguing twist. The details never cease to amaze, and one can not be disappointed by local cuisine. 

Munich, Germany is home to BMW Welt and BMW Museum, this is where I sought to capture the architectural qualities of the spaces that work with such ease and successfully highlight the automotive architecture that lies within. 

Riga - Unanticipated charm and character. Latvia is rich in culture and history. The streets of the Old Towne in the Nation's capital are painted with joyful colors, yet in some instances remains in a state of rebuilding. The venture came about in the form of a long layover, but came to an end with a desire to return. Its beauty and unique charm left me in awe. 

A 2:00 AM run led to viewing a city that seems to never close its eyes

Paris holds such a special place in my heart. Its character is vivid, its monuments stand tall, its pride is present, and it is flourishing with unforeseen beauty around every corner. 

It is the only city in the world that I have successfully walked 16 miles in one day and not regret a single step. 

Paris smells sweeter in the rain.

The city that you can get lost in, only to find something new that you desire to return to. 

Tallinn's streets vary, but one thing holds true, the sweet smell of pastries will draw you around any corner in search of the source.

Helsinki, Finland is rich in culture, strong in history, and mindful of community. The House of Culture, established as the headquarters for the Finnish Communist Party in 1955, designed by Alvar Aalto possess a strong tie to these characteristics. 

Alvar Aalto agreed to design the House of Culture during a hectic time of design, known well as his “brick period”. The House of Culture was designed as a cultural center, programmatically including a concert hall space for public events and office spaces to house the administrative staff of the political party.

The House of Culture was called for in the early 1950s, and design began in 1955, seeing completion in 1958. Until more recently, it served as Helsinki’s prime 2 concert venue space. The House of Culture is situated in a location that today, would be considered within easy access to the city-center of Helsinki, although during the time of construction and development, it was nestled nearby the industrial zone. As it was designed as the headquarters for the Finnish Communist Party and constructed heavily from volunteer hours, the placement fell in line with the ideals that the space was meant for multi-purpose functionality and for the community. By the 1990s, the communist party had gone bankrupt and the site has been in ownership by the Finnish State since.