Markelius, Sven

Born Oct. 25, 1889, in Stockholm. Swedish architect.

Between 1910 and 1920, Markelius studied at the Technical High School and the Academy of Arts in Stockholm. His buildings constructed in the 1930’s are the most radical examples of Swedish architectural functionalism (Concert Hall, Halsingborg, 1932; Builders’ Club, Stockholm, 1937). Markelius’ structures of the 1940’s are marked by the search for elements unique to Swedish architecture (the architect’s home, Keving, 1945). Between 1944 and 1954, Markelius was the principal architect of Stockholm. Since the early 1950’s he has directed the development and implementation of a general plan of Stockholm, at the foundation of which are semiautonomous districts that are separated by zones of greenery (construction of the western districts of Vallingby, 1953-66; reconstruction of the city center, 1953-70).