Relativity theory

The other day I started thinking of styles. I just moved into a new apartment, and I want to build a home that looks like me. I am going for something Asian; Japanese or Chinese. It's a bit strange how I've completely changed styles, as I was a pro-Finnish functionalism a few years ago. Now, I couldn't imagine living in an aparment that was filled with functionalism.

Aalto stools; iconic Finnish design.

Alternative uses of space and light in a book store.

It is interesting how the "traditional" Finnish interior dates only to the 1950's or something. After the war. In interior design magazines the iconic Finnish interior, or rather, the iconic Scandinavian interior, is the post-war functionalism.

In Japan, the iconic architecture and style dates back to what, 1000 and more years ago. Tea rooms, tatami mats, ikebana, natural minimalism have been the elements of Japanese life for centuries. 

 

Tatami mats and natural materials in a traditional Japanese home.

There are castles and temples that have been there for thousands of years. The temples were built out of wood, and they have been carefully maintained so that people can visit them and feel a touch of the eternal.

Tôdaiji temple in Nara, originally built in 700's but rebuilt in 1700.

No one even lived in Finland 1000 years ago. And if they did, they lived in small huts or in caves. Probably. 

The oldest buildings in Finland are not that old; maybe from the 1600's. Not counting in the medieval castles, though, of which there are still 3 left. Despite wood being our most valuable natural resource, there are no really old historical wooden buildings left. The Petäjävesi church is from 1700's. Go past that, and there's nothing.

Everything is relative, and Finnish culture, and the Finnish identity is a fairly new phenomenon. It's strange to think that the iconic Finnish style dates back to...our grandparents' childhood. Not further than that.

In Japan, Finnish functionalism is very popular. As Japan has developed its own modern design, it is easy to adopt and borrow each others' styles. 

 Japanese restaurant in Finland with Artek furniture.