Aalto designed this sanatorium for tuberculosis patients to be a "medical instrument," a structure actively engaged in the healing process. Small touches, such as personal wash basins, glare-resistant interior paints and large balconies to soak up sunshine, came from his shrewd and empathetic observations (supposedly sick at the time himself, he realized that hospital rooms should have a "horizontal" arrangement, since patients would spend most of their time in bed). The furniture Alvar and his wife Aino created for the building can still be purchased through Artek. Photo 10 of 12 in Design Icon: 10 Buildings by Alvar Aalto

Design Icon: 10 Buildings by Alvar Aalto

10 of 12

Aalto designed this sanatorium for tuberculosis patients to be a "medical instrument," a structure actively engaged in the healing process. Small touches, such as personal wash basins, glare-resistant interior paints and large balconies to soak up sunshine, came from his shrewd and empathetic observations (supposedly sick at the time himself, he realized that hospital rooms should have a "horizontal" arrangement, since patients would spend most of their time in bed). The furniture Alvar and his wife Aino created for the building can still be purchased through Artek.