Einar Sveinsson

Einar Sveinsson (16 November 1906 – 12 March 1973) was an Icelandic architect. He was the City Architect of Reykjavík between 1934–1973, and widely considered to have played a key role in shaping the appearance of Reykjavík in the mid-20th century.[1][2][3][4]

Einar was the first Icelander to study architecture in Germany, doing so at the Technische Universität Darmstadt between 1927 and 1932.[4] He completed his degree in 1932.[4] Einar was influenced by the Bauhaus style and introduced functionalist architecture to Iceland.[5][4]

Some of his notable works include Laugarnesskóli, Melaskóli, Langholtsskóli, Heilsuverndarstöð Reykjavíkur, Borgarspítalinn, Vogaskóli, Laugardalslaug, and the bus terminal at Snorrabraut 56, which he co-designed with Ágúst Pálsson.[6][2][1] Melaskóli was considered so exquisite in its early years that foreign dignitaries were often brought to the building for meetings.[1][2] He is widely considered to excel at crafting interiors.[1][7]

At the time, he was criticized for the cost of many of his buildings. His buildings have, however, lasted long without renovation and thus proved quite cost-effective in the long-term.[1]

References

1. Steinsteypuöldin, retrieved 2017-01-18
2. "Einar Sveinsson arkitekt og nokkur verka hans". www.mbl.is. Retrieved 2017-02-18.
3. "Einar Sveinsson - Arkitekt". listasafnreykjavikur.is (in Icelandic). Retrieved 2017-02-18.
4. UTD_Vefumsjon (2014-10-17). "Einar Sveinsson - Arkitekt". listasafnreykjavikur.is (in Icelandic). Retrieved 2018-08-12.
5. "Virkt húsameistarans". www.mbl.is. Retrieved 2018-08-12.
6. "Húsameistarinn Einar Sveinsson". www.mbl.is. Retrieved 2017-02-18.
7. "Laugarnesskóli | Minjastofnun". www.minjastofnun.is (in Icelandic). Retrieved 2017-02-18.

Further reading

• Ármannsson, Pétur H.; Sveinsson, Einar (1995). Einar Sveinsson arkitekt og húsameistari Reykjavíkur. Reykjavík Municipal Art Museum. ISBN 9789979874065.