Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík. A Late Example of Expressionist Church Architecture

Abstract

Reykjavík’s largest church, Hallgrímskirkja has become a symbol and an important part of Icelandic national identity. This edifice result of conscious planning process with its location and form reinforce its national significance. Its impact derives from several elements. Buildings symbolizing the identity of communities are usually quite conservative in form. Hallgrímskirkja, however, has distinct individual features that stem from architect Guðjón Samúelsson’s aspiration to express the nation’s identity in a specific architectural form.