This structure in Wolfsburg, Germany designed by Alvar Aalto was originally conceived as a cultural center with four different functions: a public library, an institute for adult education (Volkshochschule), a youth center and a space for community events with terraces and lounges. On the ground floor a row of shops was dedicated to small-scale retail. The Center was designed with the goal of providing a place for meetings and cultural activities to balance the monotonous life of a typical industrial city. This building is considered the most important creation of Alvar Aalto in Germany.

Concept and spaces

The building is designed in the form of faculty, closed around its central square. The four parts of the Center formed a single building, divided into separate volumes. This game joints characteristic of the architect, the Center provides its most important features, while separating the areas according to their functions. The link is provided between different units, after successive concatenated units.

On the ground floor are businesses on the street, access to the library and conference rooms, access to the youth house, children's library department and the citizens.

On the first floor are the auditorium of the university, workshops and club rooms and a courtyard for various activities. The reading room of the library and auditorium volumes are flying on the street.

Lighting plays an important role in Aalto's works. The skylights for this building were also used repeatedly in other designs.

As for the original design of his Finlandia Hall the facades are made of Carrara marble. For the interiors he used granite and wood. He designed the building interior himself (fittings, furniture, lightning). The use of skylights is another typical feature of his designs.