The Baker House, a snake-like structure that winds its way along the river 

banks of the Charles River in

Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the work of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The structure was completed in
1949 and is one of only two Aalto structures in the United States.

Aalto created its unique shape to improve each student's perspective of the river while also giving each
room a sense of individuality. There are 22 different-shaped bedrooms on each level. The stairs and
circulation are likewise placed in the bends along the northern face, with double-height living and dining
areas nestled within the building's curves, avoiding north-facing rooms. Since Aalto refused to design
the north-facing rooms, he chose to expand the rooms at the western end, creating enormous double
and triple rooms that get both northern and western light.

Aalto designed its unusual form to enhance each student's view of the river while also providing each
room with a feeling of individuality. Each level has 22 different-shaped bedrooms. North-facing rooms
are also avoided by placing the stairs and circulation in the bends along the northern facade, with
double-height living and dining areas tucked within the building's curves. Since Aalto refused to design
the north-facing rooms, he decided to enlarge the rooms in the western end turning them into large
double and triple rooms which receive both northern and western light.