Artek Forest Collection, Aalto Table 83 rectangular, wild birch L182

Artek Aalto table 83 wild birch.

The Artek tables are based on different combinations of Alvar Aalto's L-legs and table tops. Aalto first introduced the curved L-leg in 1933 and it became a standard element in his furniture designs.

Given his importance as a designer and architect, Aalto considered the development of the L-leg to be his greatest achievement - he called the L-leg "the little sister of the architectural column". The development of the L-leg was revolutionary because it solved the problem of attaching the legs directly to the table top in a completely new way - the leg could be attached directly to the table top with screws and the result was a solid and simple structure.

This Aalto table 83 celebrates the authentic beauty of birch wood: this table is made of so-called wild birch that shows the natural variation of the material in its entirety. By using "wild birch", Artek aims to challenge our expectations of visual uniformity in natural materials and to start a conversation about the need for a new, sustainable approach. Due to climate change, Finnish wood now has more colour variations than before, as well as traces left by insects that were previously not seen in Finnish forests. These traces or knots do not affect the durability or usability of the wood, but are merely aesthetic limitations.

Colour / design: wild birch
Dimensions: Length 182 - Width 91 - Height 74 cm (space between legs 164 cm). Table Top thickness: 5 cm. Table Top core: solid birch, table edge in wild birch.
Material: Birch

Note: will be delivered flat-packed.

About the designer:

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and designer in the world. In 1921, Alvar Aalto obtained a degree in Architecture from the Helsinki Institute of Technology and began his career as an architect. One of the most important works he was commissioned was the planning of the tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Finland.

This project also marked the beginning of Aalto's career as a furniture designer - in fact, this was the first building planned by Aalto to be completely furnished with furniture designed by Aalto himself - including the lighting. Other major projects completed by Alvar Aalto include the Municipal Library of Viipuri, Villa Mairea, La Maison Carré, and the Finnish pavilions for the 1937 Paris and 1939 New York World Expositions.