Sunila is home to the Sunila company, a coalition of large paper producing firms led by Ahlstrom, a paper producing giant. Alvar Aalto designed the factory and nearby workers village in the late 1930's. The project is famous for it's link between architecture and social concerns, (Aalto had a strong socialist bent). One could say it was an early attempt at what would now be called "new urbanism". Unfortunately, no amount of urban planning can shield one from the smell produced by the pulp mill. It hit us like a mallet the moment we stepped out of the van. The company began selling off the residential real-estate in the late 60's. Low real-estate values and a lack of local businesses has made it difficult for the community to remain self sustaining since it is no longer linked to the plant.

An interesting article about Sunila for those interested in urban planning can be found here.

	The suervisor's residence.
	Workers' residences

All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Daren Willden, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.