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]
He studied at the Copenhagen Technical College from 1901 to 1904 but was unable to complete his studies due to tuberculosis.[3] [4] He struggled from tuberculosis for the remainder of his life, ultimately dying from the disease at the age of 42.[5]
Rögnvaldur's designs were influenced by the Swiss chalet style and neoclassical architecture. Despite his illness and a short life, Rögnvaldur was considered a prolific and influential Icelandic architect. 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.