🇳🇴 Hydro and Iittala bring the iconic Aalto vase to architectural scale at 3daysofdesign
Oslo, Norway – To mark 90 years of the Aalto vase, Hydro and Iittala present the Aalto 90 Pavilion during 3daysofdesign from June 10-12 in Copenhagen. The Aalto 90 Pavilion is a seven-meter-tall, monumental walk formed from Hydro’s low-carbon aluminium as an interpretation of Alvar Aalto’s iconic design.
The pavilion brings the iconic form of the Aalto vase into an architectural setting, creating an immersive experience for visitors at Ofelia Plads. Inside the installation, Iittala’s Aalto City vase collection, introduced for the anniversary year, reinforces the connection between the pavilion and a new series of objects inspired by cities around the world.
“As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Aalto vase, we are not only reflecting on an icon, but on a way of thinking that still shapes design today. Alvar Aalto challenged conventions with a form that was intuitive, human and free, a spirit that continues to resonate. Together with Hydro, we translate this idea into space with the Aalto 90 Pavilion, inviting people to step inside its contours and experience its movement and softness. For us, the Aalto vase is not static, but a living expression that evolves across time and place,” says Janni Vepsäläinen, Creative Director of Iittala.
The pavilion is formed entirely of Hydro REDUXA, Hydro’s low-carbon aluminium produced using renewable energy at Hydro’s aluminium plant in Sunndal, Norway. The material has a verified maximum footprint of 4.0 CO₂ per kg aluminium, less than one third of the global average.
The aluminium is extruded at Hydro’s extrusions plant in Magnor, Norway. The finished profiles are fastened together, giving the structure a smooth, unbroken surface without any visible seams. Chosen for its versatility, strength, and infinite recyclability, aluminium gives the structure both precision and lightness. Hydro is selected as Iittala’s partner for their deep material and engineering expertise, building upon a combined Nordic legacy to support a circular approach to temporary architecture.
“Bringing the Alvar Aalto vase to a seven-meter scale requires both the right material and engineering expertise, and the properties of aluminium extrusions make it the ideal choice for this kind of architecture. The project proves that it can be done in large scale with a low-carbon footprint and at the end of life it will all go back to recycling. By uniting our experts from Iittala and Hydro, we bring our full capability to bear on a single, iconic shape,” says Asle Forsbak, Marketing Director in Hydro Extrusions.
Designed for disassembly and reuse, the pavilion is built to live beyond Copenhagen. Created by Hydro and Iittala in partnership with Tableau CPH, it demonstrates how temporary architecture can be designed for longer life and future reuse.
About Hydro
Hydro is a leading aluminium and renewable energy company committed to a sustainable future. Hydro’s purpose is to create more viable societies by developing natural resources into products and solutions in innovative and efficient ways.
Since 1905, Hydro has turned natural resources into valuable products for people and businesses, creating a safe and secure workplace for its 32,000 employees in more than 40 countries.
For more information, visit www.hydro.com.
About Iittala
Founded in 1881 in the village of Iittala, Finland, Iittala is a renowned Nordic design house celebrated for its timeless objects that bring beauty and functionality to everyday life. Iittala’s collaboration with Hydro reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the enduring power of design.
For more information, visit www.iittala.com.
Originally published by Hydro.
