Empire

The heart of Helsinki is a masterpiece of early 19^th century Empire-style architecture. The public buildings designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840) have earned an enduring place as the Finnish capital’s most recognizable symbols. Engel’s architectural legacy is also unique in that he single-handedly transformed the small trading town of Helsinki into a new capital. Interweaving perspectives on history, architecture and urban planning, this volume provides a comprehensive overview of Helsinki’s Empire-style heritage through expert insights provided by architect Mikko Lindqvist and a rich accompaniment of images illustrating the visual opulence of the Empire style.