Reconstructing or inventing the past: A computer simulation of the unbuilt church by Alvar Aalto

There is a certain mystery surrounding the unbuilt projects or unrealized ideas of famous architects. Often there is an expectation of deeper meaning and hidden genius present in unfulfilled buildings. Some critics go as far as to claim that the best and most interesting projects remain unrealized because oftheprogressiveness of the ideas associated with those buildings. Whether we agree or not with this point of view, most would admitthat there is great intellectual value to be derived from studying and (re)creating unbuilt buildings. Designers operate within an intellectual continuum that is evident in their work. This continuum is successively redefined and the designer's vision transcends with each consecutive project. In this sense, unbuilt projects are 'missing links' and serve as 'stepping stones' in an architect's creative development. Studying unbuilt architecture allows one the ability to trace the origin of concepts and persistence of thoughts. The primary reason for creating virtual models of unbuilt buildings with the tools of computer graphics is that drawings and physical models for these building do not reveal the full meaning and potential of the crafting of form, light, and materials into powerful, resonant space. The virtual model is the only medium, which can deliver an experience compatible with real life observation.