Alvar Aalto Foundation + Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation MoU

Alvar Aalto Foundation and the Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation Memorandum of Understanding

4 June 2026

Alvar Aalto Foundation and Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation Sign Cooperation Memorandum

Jyväskylä / Tallinn, 2026 – The Alvar Aalto Foundation and the Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a flexible framework for long-term cooperation in architecture, research, education, and cultural exchange.

The agreement is rooted in a shared understanding of architecture as a cultural and humanistic practice that connects people, places, and ideas across time and borders. It also reflects a growing interest in exploring the intellectual and creative dialogue between Alvar Aalto and Louis I. Kahn — two of the most influential architects of the 20th century.

Although working in different contexts, Aalto and Kahn’s professional paths intersected in meaningful ways. Both were appointed honorary professors of the Politecnico di Milano in 1963 at the same ceremony. Over time, they engaged with similar architectural and urban questions, occasionally working in parallel and encountering each other in professional and academic settings.

“P.O. Fjeld Louis Kahn – Nordic Latitudes” pg. 83. Photo from the ceremony for honorary professorships from the Polytechnic University of Milan, 1963. From left to right: the speaker and dean of the faculty Luigi Dodi, Louis Kahn, Alvar Aalto, Kenzo Tange, and (wearing sunglasses) Gio Ponti. Franco Albini was also present at the award ceremony:

photo rights: Louis I. Kahn Collection, the Architectural Archives: University of Pennsylvania, USA

Building on this historical connection, the Memorandum establishes a contemporary framework for collaboration. It supports the exchange of knowledge, encourages academic cooperation and research, and promotes joint initiatives such as seminars, exhibitions, and public programs. Particular attention will be given to advancing the study of connections and parallels between Aalto and Kahn, while strengthening international visibility through shared communication and cooperation.

An important aspect of the collaboration is the promotion of architecture-related places connected to both architects, contributing to broader public engagement and international awareness.

The Memorandum is open in nature. It allows for the gradual development of joint initiatives and provides a flexible basis for future project-based agreements, including collaboration with additional partners such as universities, cultural institutions, and public organizations.

Statements:

Tommi Lindh, Managing Director, Alvar Aalto Foundation:

“This cooperation highlights the continued relevance of Aalto’s work and its dialogue with other major figures of modern architecture. It opens new ways to understand and present architectural heritage.”

Karl Laas, Member of the Management Board, Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation:

“The connection between Aalto and Kahn offers a unique lens to explore architecture as a cultural practice. This agreement marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration built on shared values and mutual curiosity, and it also supports the development of the future Louis Kahn Centre in Kuressaare as an international platform for architecture and culture.”

Meeting of the two foundation delegations in 6th of May, 2026 Jyväskylä. From left: Karl Laas (LKEF), Nina Heikkonen (AAF), Katri Gailit (LKEF), Timo Riekko (AAF) and Tommi Lindh (AAF):

photo courtesy Louis Kahni Eesti SA

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About the organisations:

Alvar Aalto Foundatione

Alvar Aalto Foundation (founded 1969) – http://alvaraalto.fi/en/

The Alvar Aalto Foundation preserves and promotes the architectural and design legacy of Alvar Aalto through collections, sites, and research activities.

Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation

Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation (founded 2011) – https://louiskahn.org/blog/kahn-125-events

The Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Louis I. Kahn and developing the Louis Kahn Centre in Kuressaare, Estonia, as an international platform for architecture and culture. This year Kahn Foundation celebrates the 125 of anniversary with several events in Estonia and abroad.

Alvar Aalto / Louis Kahn

Alvar Aalto Foundation and the Louis Kahn Estonia Foundation Memorandum of Understanding images / information received 040626 from Louis Kahni Eesti SA

Alvar Aalto Buildings

Location: Jyväskylä, Finland / Tallinn, Estonia, Northeast Europe