Restoration of Alvar Aalto’s Viipuri library in Russia awarded 2014 Modernism Prize

Alvar Aalto's Viipuri Library in Vyborg, Russia, built between 1927 and 1935, has recently been restored and the committee responsible for the restoration work has been awarded The World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize.

This modern landmark features some of Aalto's trademark design elements such as the sky-lighted roof, undulating wooden ceilings and a glass-enclosed staircase. Check out the pics of the restored building by Russian photographer Denis Esakov after the break.

The restoration of the library, executed in a collaboration between Finnish and Russian institutions, was officially completed in 2013. The main emphasis of the project was on preserving the original architectural values of the building while taking into account the continuing operational needs of the library.

The works were executed in phases, and a grant of $300,000 from WMF’s Robert W. Wilson Challenge to Conserve Our Heritage was invested into the restoration of the 58 signature skylights over the reading room and lending library. The Finnish Committee for the Restoration of Viipuri Library supervised and guided the project, along with inspecting and documenting the restoration process, while The Alvar Aalto Foundation supported the work of the committee by providing free access to the archives of original drawings, specifications, and photographs.