The visionary Olle Engkvist became one of the most famous entrepreneurs of the 20th century: a humanistic master builder who wanted to build good homes. In the new "Byggmästaren Olle Engkvist," his work is described by Nils Johan Tjärnlund. Additionally, olleengkvistbygger.se is launched with source material from Olle's many construction projects. And a short film introduces the master builder in three minutes!
Olle Engkvist (1889–1969) helped design a modern cityscape where homes were equipped with new technology and conveniences. His company created buildings that are still well-known and loved today: the townhouses in Ålsten, the narrow houses in Hjorthagen, the star houses in Gröndal – and prestigious buildings such as the concert hall in Gothenburg and the renovation of the Parliament House. But his vision did not stop at the functional – he wanted to create human-friendly environments with abundant green gardens, art, and culture.
In the new book "Byggmästaren Olle Engkvist" (Förlaget Näringslivshistoria, 2024), written by Nils Johan Tjärnlund, we follow Olle from his childhood in Gävle to becoming one of the country's most influential master builders. The book is richly illustrated and based on research in the Olle Engkvist archives managed by the Centre for Business History.
Also: Olle's construction projects on a new site
With companies like Byggnadsaktiebolaget Olle Engkvist, Bygg-Oleba, and Projector, Olle Engkvist came to build large parts of modern Sweden. His archive has now been digitized, and on the map and source site olleengkvistbygger.se you can dive deep into material about the many buildings that would not have existed without Olle.
Plus: Short film about Olle
As a quick introduction to Olle Engkvist's life and work, we have made this 3.5-minute short film:
About the author
Nils Johan Tjärnlund is a science journalist and author with a special interest in business and cultural history. He has previously, among other things, written the award-winning The City That Rose from the Ashes, about Sundsvall's stone city, and been awarded the distinction Building Conservator of the Year by the Swedish Association for Building Preservation.
