Erik Bryggman (1891–1955) was among the first to introduce Functionalist style into Finnish architecture. He lived and practiced architecture in Turku and was an influential character among the town’s architectural milieu.

Bryggman studied architecture at Helsinki University of Technology (nowadays Aalto University) and graduated with honours in 1916. As a young professional he worked with several master architects, such as Armas Lindgren, Otto-Iivari Meurman, Sigurd Frosterus and Valter Jung. He founded his own practice in 1923. When Alvar Aalto moved to Turku in 1927, the two architects’ collaboration had a revolutionary impact on Finnish architecture.

Throughout his career Bryggman’s architecture combined modernism and classicism with both local and international influences. He made several study trips abroad, notably to Italy and Germany, where he visited the Bauhaus. The Italian influence shown in particular in the works of Bryggman’s brakethrough years, parallel with architectural influences stemming from local cultural traditions and the location.

Bryggman’s career includes projects of all scales, from small monuments to visions for entire city districts. Although most of his works are located in the Turku region, examples of the industrious architect’s versatility may be found around Finland.

1891 born February 7 in Turku
1906– evening student at Turku Drawing School
1910 matriculation from Turku Classical Lyceum
1916 diploma of architecture at Helsinki University of Technology
1923 private architectural office in Turku
1955 died December 21 in Turku