Lars Sonck
Encyclopedia
Lars Eliel Sonck was a Finnish architect
. He graduated from Helsinki Polytechnic Institute in 1894 and immediately won a major design competition for a church in Turku
, ahead of many established architects.
Sonck ignored the growing trend toward architectural rationalism. Instead, he borrowed from the historical tradition of Finland's medieval stone structures and residential wood based architecture. His more monumental commissions show the influence of a neo-Romanesque
style.
A prominent figure in Finland's search for architectural identity, Sonck played a leading role in the development of a National Romanticism
.
Sonck designed for Jean Sibelius
and his wife their home, now a museum, called "Ainola
".
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
. He graduated from Helsinki Polytechnic Institute in 1894 and immediately won a major design competition for a church in Turku
Turku
Turku is a city situated on the southwest coast of Finland at the mouth of the Aura River. It is located in the region of Finland Proper. It is believed that Turku came into existence during the end of the 13th century which makes it the oldest city in Finland...
, ahead of many established architects.
Sonck ignored the growing trend toward architectural rationalism. Instead, he borrowed from the historical tradition of Finland's medieval stone structures and residential wood based architecture. His more monumental commissions show the influence of a neo-Romanesque
Romanesque architecture
Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of the Romanesque architecture, with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th century. It developed in the 12th century into the Gothic style,...
style.
A prominent figure in Finland's search for architectural identity, Sonck played a leading role in the development of a National Romanticism
Romanticism
Romanticism was an artistic, literary and intellectual movement that originated in the second half of the 18th century in Europe, and gained strength in reaction to the Industrial Revolution...
.
Sonck designed for Jean Sibelius
Jean Sibelius
Jean Sibelius was a Finnish composer of the later Romantic period whose music played an important role in the formation of the Finnish national identity. His mastery of the orchestra has been described as "prodigious."...
and his wife their home, now a museum, called "Ainola
Ainola
Ainola, meaning "Aino's land", was the home of Jean Sibelius, his wife Aino and their family from the fall of 1904 until 1972. It stands on the scenic shores of Lake Tuusula in Järvenpää, 38 kilometers north of Helsinki, the Finnish capital. It was designed by the famous Finnish architect Lars Sonck...
".