MATTI SUURONEN’S ‘FUTURO’ - PROTOTYPE 1968 AFTER 50 YEARS

Abstract

The Futuro house was designed in 1968 by the Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. Its prototype, Futuro no. 000, currently in the collection of the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam, underwent a major conservation treatment at the time of its acquisition a decade ago. The construction, the architectural details and the surface of fiberglass reinforced polyester (GRP) elements had suffered from transport and handling during the many assemblies on various sites, indoors and outdoors, over the previous decades. Before starting the restoration a research project was set-up to investigate the options for conservation. A clear vision about the best ways to exhibit the prototype was developed in order to avoid further deterioration. The decision to only exhibit the Futuro within the museum was essential for its conservation treatment. In contrast with the original function of the mass-produced Futuro houses as summer houses or ski-huts, it proves to be the best option to preserve the unique prototype for the future.