Books from Finland

Since the book's first publication, interest in the role of the body and the senses has been emerging in both architectural philosophy and teaching. This new, revised and extended edition of this seminal work will not only inspire architects and students to design more holistic architecture, but will enrich the general reader's perception of the world around them. The Eyes of the Skin has become a classic of architectural theory and consists of two extended essays. The first surveys the historical development of the ocular-centric paradigm in western culture since the Greeks, and its impact on the experience of the world and the nature of architecture. The second examines the role of the other senses in authentic architectural experiences, and points the way towards a multi-sensory architecture which facilitates a sense of belonging and integration.

"This brief novel tells the story of Sophia, a six-year-old girl awakening to existence, and Sophia's grandmother, nearing the end of hers, as they spend the summer on a tiny unspoiled island in the Gulf of Finland." -- Publisher's description.

In Soviet-occupied Estonia, two women are bound by a dark past of violence and betrayal. One woman, Zara, has built a new life for herself, but her past comes back to haunt her when a man from her former life appears. She must confront the horrors she endured and the choices she made to survive.

• revenge
• betrayal
• survival

In a world where water is a scarce and controlled resource, humanity struggles under a totalitarian regime. Noria, a young woman from a long line of tea masters, is about to inherit her family's secret: the hidden knowledge of water's past. As the military government tightens its grip, Noria must decide how to protect this dangerous truth and navigate a society where even a drop of water can be a crime.

• chosen one
• survival
• secret identity

In an alternative historical present, a young woman navigates a eusistocracy, an extreme welfare state that prioritizes public health and social stability above all else. Her growing addiction to illegal chili peppers propels her into a hidden world where the state dictates love, sex, and free will. She must decide how far she's willing to go to reclaim her autonomy.

• forbidden love

This novel explores the lives of two women in Estonia during and after World War II, as they navigate occupation, resistance, and the difficult choices made to survive. Their intertwined stories reveal the lasting impact of war and political upheaval on personal destinies and national identity.

• betrayal
• survival

When Sol vanishes, their wife Lumi begins a desperate search across the solar system. Her quest uncovers a complex web of environmental secrets and a mystery stretching from Mars's affluent colonies to Earth's devastated ruins. Told through letters, Lumi's journey delves into Sol's hidden past and her own forgotten history, revealing a love story between two people from vastly different worlds.

• epistolary
• quest
• mystery box

This publication accompanies an exhibition organized by Peter Reed, Associate Curator at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. It delves into the work and influence of Alvar Aalto, a prominent figure in 20th-century architecture. The book explores various aspects of his designs, including wooden buildings, public structures, and architect-designed furniture.