Rögnvaldur Ólafsson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rögnvaldur Ólafsson (5 December 1874, Ytri Húsum in Dyrafjörður – 14 February 1917) was an Icelandic architect. He is often considered the first Icelandic architect, even though he never completed formal studies in architecture.[1][2][3][4]
He studied at the Copenhagen Technical College from 1901 to 1904 but was unable to complete his studies due to tuberculosis.[5][6] He struggled from tuberculosis for the remainder of his life, ultimately dying from the disease at the age of 42.[2][4][7]
Rögnvaldur's designs were influenced by the Swiss chalet style and neoclassical architecture.[5] Despite his illness and a short life, Rögnvaldur was considered a prolific and influential Icelandic architect.[2][4][7][5] Some of his notable works include the Postal Office in Reykjavík; the agricultural colleges at Hólar and Hvanneyri; the churches in Keflavík, Hafnarfjörður, and Húsavík; and several buildings surrounding Tjörnin, a prominent small lake in central Reykjavík.[2]