Mafjas Langmaan

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Mafjas Langmaan
File:Mafjas Langmaan.jpg
Langmaan in 1962
Born
Mafjas Morten Kyk Langmaan

(1926-10-12)October 12, 1926
DiedMay 12, 2013(2013-05-12) (aged 91)
NationalityVyvlander
Alma materSgol Undwerps (1951)
OccupationArchitect
BuildingsJesel Niyjerj
Regnengshal
Lyksdaler Sdadhal
Dokpruk, Niyport
Fomiy Bibliotek
Esquarian Parliament building
Kryger House

Mafjas Langmaan (pronounced /ˈmaðjaz laŋmäːn/, 12 October 1921-12 May 2013) was a pioneering Vyvlander architect renowned for his contribution to modern and postmodern architecture in his work in Vyvland and across Esquarium. His work is characterised by its use of curves and bold shapes in his buildings, which were designed for a wide variety of purposes. He was particularly involved with the reconstruction of many South Vyvlander towns after reunification in the 1980s, although before this he had been working for a considerable time in the former North. His work spanned a wide range of fields, from large public spaces, such as Jesel Niyjerj, to private houses and estates such as Dokpruk in Niyport. Langmaan also designed a number of boats, especially during his earlier years in his hometown of Seldon.

Langmaan was born on the outskirts of Seldon, on the north coast of Vyvland, to a fisherman father. He describes the curves of the fishing boats as "elegant and inspirational", often noting that they inspired him to translate their forms into buildings. Langmaan's childhood passion was to draw and plan buildings, and it was due to these that he was accepted on a scholarship to the prestigious Sgol Undwerps in Stiven, where he studied architecture for many years. Having completed his studies, Langmaan moved back to Seldon, where he unexpectedly managed to agin the position of Assistant Head Architect on the city's eighteen-man architecture team, and thus was able to design many civic buildings.

Fomiy Bibliotek, Langmaan's 1987 waterside library in Fomiy

After a hiatus following the birth of his twin children in the late 1960s, Langmaan returned to architecture, this time setting up his own practice in Lyksdal. The Langmaanpraktik, as it was known, grew in esteem over the next decade, with many major contracts from international and domestic clients being carried out. In a few cases, the practice cooperated with Erman Sanker's South Vyvlander government, in acts controversial at the time - the most notable example of this is the Jesel Niyjerj.

Langmaan's most famous work came after Vyvlander reunification in 1983, as he worked on multiple new buildings for former Southern towns. His most famous of these was the Dokpruk 'liveable estate' in Niyport, which was immediately very successful and launched Langmaan into fields of urban design and masterplanning. Work on Fomiy Bibliotek in Fomiy, redevelopment of the port of Byzvild, and the Regnengshal government complex in Lorence were important constructions during this period. More extensive projects which geared Langmaan towards the international spotlight included the 1992 Winter Olympic Park in Wel and the Esquarian Parliament building in Pontnouveau, Francilie. In 2002, Langmaan officially retired, moving to Mojing with his long-term partner Jasmin Roosschop, where he died in 2013.