Hendrik Petrus Berlage (1856–1934) was a prominent Dutch architect, urban planner, and designer. He is widely regarded as one of the primary figures in the development of modern architecture in the Netherlands and a key influence on the Amsterdam School style. A student of Gotfried Semper, Berlage emphasized that architectural ornament should not be an end in itself but must serve a functional purpose. His most celebrated work is the Beurs van Berlage (Amsterdam Stock Exchange), which showcased his mastery of brickwork and structural honesty. Beyond architecture, he was active in furniture design, glass design, and urban planning, notably contributing to the expansion plans for Amsterdam.[1,2,3,4,5]
