Synopsis
The Futuro house, initially designed by Finish architect Matti Suuronen as a mass-producible ski cabin, was introduced to the public in 1968. Its flying-saucer-like elliptical shape and plastic construction reflected the space-age optimism and utopian vision of the sixties, and attracted the world's attention. However, despite a global marketing campaign that included exhibitions and proposals for variants on the function of Futuro, it was destined for commercial failure, crippled by its quirky design coupled with the 1972 oil crisis, which tripled the price of plastic. Today, only thirty Futuros remain, primarily in Finland, Russia, Japan and the United States, used variously as gas stations, cafes, and art exhibits. This glossy book offers a detailed, fully illustrated history of the Futuro, as well as a retrospective journey into our recent futuristic past. Also included is an exclusive DVD featuring the 29-minute documentary film Futuro - A New Stance for Tomorrow, plus 45 minutes of rare amateur film and other archive footage.
