Style

(State Architect of Iceland) Guðjón Samúelsson was the first Icelander to be educated in architecture. Born 1887 till 1950 he became Iceland’s most influential architect. His final and most recognized work is the famous Hallgrimskirkja church but pictured above is the lesser known National Theatre. As Iceland was urbanizing and modernizing he had a role in the urban planning of Reykjavik as well trying to create a Icelandic style of architecture. Hexagonal columns at the waterfall Svartifoss were the inspiration for the piercing cornice above. The basalt columns break off as falling water wears down the edges and he carried that language over to the design. Samúelsson’s blend of naturalism with modernism went on to inspire many other buildings and architect’s in Iceland.