In the spring of 2025 the Finnish Architecture and Design Museum in Helsinki will organize an exhibition on the work of Belgian architect Marie-José Van Hee.
Marie-José Van Hee recently won the Finnish Alvar Aalto Medal. The medal rewards people who have in a significant way distinguished themselves creatively in the field of architecture. James Stirling (UK), Jorn Utzon (Denmark), Tadao Ando (JP), Alvaro Siza (PT), Studio Mumbai amongst others already received Aalvar Alto medal. She is the first (individual) woman architect to receive the Alvar Aalto Medal.
The exhibition is dedicated to the delicate and nuanced architecture of Belgian architect Marie-José Van Hee. ‘For Sun and Wind to Paint on’ invites visitors to explore part of a home designed by Van Hee, with its main living area recreated in full-scale dimensions. Offering a serene contrast to the bustle of the city, Van Hee invites you to step into a peaceful, understated space, experience it with all your senses and explore highlights from her oeuvre.
In Marie-José Van Hee’s architecture, a profound understanding of place merges with human-scale design, while subtle materials find their role in insightful spatial arrangements. After initial sketches thoughtfully adapted to the site, the desired outcome explored through hand-drawn sketches emerges gradually. The result is surprising and unexpected, with interior and exterior spaces closely intertwined.
Alvar Aalto Medal 2024
The fifteenth Alvar Aalto Medal has been awarded to Belgian architect Marie-José Van Hee. Her output covers a wide range of projects, from private houses to public spaces and cultural buildings. Van Hee is the first (individual) woman architect to receive the Alvar Aalto Medal.