ENGEL, Carl Ludwig

(b. 1778 Berlin, d. 1840 Helsinki)

German architect, active in Finland. He studied in Berlin under Schinkel, and arrived in Finland from Estonia where he was a town architect of Tallinn.

His most noted work can be found in Helsinki, which he helped rebuild as the new capital of the newly founded Grand Duchy of Finland. His works include most of the buildings around the capital’s monumental centre, the Senate Square and the buildings surrounding it. The buildings are Helsinki Cathedral, The Senate (now the Palace of the Council of State), the City of Helsinki Town Hall, and the library and the main building of Helsinki University.

He had a great impact on the architecture of Finland in the first part of the 19th century, not just as an architect but also as the head of the Intendent’s Office, which was responsible for all key public buildings throughout the country.

Exterior view

Engel’s most spectacular building was the Lutheran Cathedral in Helsinki. He designed the building in 1826 on the plan of a Greek cross, combining this with a monumental flight of stairs to the north. The four arms of the church, each of which has its own portico, appear like two interlocking Roman temples. Engel placed a central cube flanked by four small towers over the crossing, and topped it with a drum and dome. This spectacular structure would eventually become the city emblem of Helsinki.

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Exterior view

Perhaps the finest example of the Classical urban planning is in Helsinki, established as capital of Finland in 1812. Beginning in 1818, Carl Engel created a monumental group of the Lutheran Cathedral flanked by the Senate, University, and University Library.

The photo shows the main building of the University of Helsinki.

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Exterior view

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