Alvar Aalto’s Kaufmann Conference Center

The Alvar Aalto Foundation, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Finland in New York and the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York, took significant steps to preserve Aalto’s only remaining interior project in New York City—the Kaufmann Conference Center located in Manhattan. The coalition enlisted the New York–based Office of Tangible Space to carefully dismantle, document, and prepare the space for future offsite exhibitions, ensuring this architectural masterpiece is not lost but reintroduced to new audiences.

Designed in 1964, the Kaufmann Conference Center at 809 United Nations Plaza is one of only five Aalto projects in the United States, and the only one still standing in New York. The interiors showcase Aalto’s signature approach: rich wood paneling, organic forms, and a harmonious, human-centered design that blends functionality with poetic elegance. Despite its architectural significance, the Kaufmann Conference Center was never granted landmark status, primarily due to its location within a private building. As a result, it remained vulnerable to alterations, sparking efforts to ensure its preservation.

The Preservation Process

The New York–based Office of Tangible Space was entrusted with leading the dismantling and meticulous documentation of the Kaufmann Conference Center’s 4,500-square-foot interior.

Collaborating closely with the Consulate General of Finland, the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York, and the Alvar Aalto Foundation, the studio focused on creating detailed drawings, 3D scans, and photographs to ensure that every element, from the wood paneling to Aalto’s custom lighting, was thoroughly documented. 

The ultimate goal was to preserve Aalto’s legacy and make the space available for future traveling exhibitions, allowing both academic researchers and the public to engage with his designs. Michael Yarinsky, co-founder of the Office of Tangible Space, shared:

“It has been an incredible journey to dive deeply into this work—not only physically in space but also through research, creating new drawings, 3D scans, modeling, and photography with the help of Finnish photographer Janne Tuunanen.” archpaper.com

Looking AheaD

The FCINY’s involvement in this project underscores our commitment to promoting and preserving Finnish design and architecture, and Aalto´s legacy. Initiatives like this enable cultural exchange and deepen appreciation for Finnish artistic heritage.