Working in the vanguard of Catalan modernism, the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudà has fascinated and inspired generations of architects, designers and even engineers with its unconventional structures.
With a particular ability to synthesize tradition and the courage of new technical solutions, Gaudà created some of the most imaginative architectural forms in history.
Today, I'd like to take you on a tour of the artist's work.
Antoni Gaudi's structures: article summary
Who is Antoni Gaudi?
Born on June 25, 1852 in Reuss, Spain, Gaudà had a deep appreciation for his native land and a great pride in his Mediterranean and Catalan heritage. Inventive, daring and flamboyant, but also highly personal, the architecture ofAntoni Gaudà is inspired by his greatest passions: architecture, nature and religion.
The architect studied nature's organic and anarchic geometric forms in depth, seeking a way to express these forms in architecture. A devout Catholic, his work contains numerous references to religious themes, becoming known as "God's architect".
Antoni Gaudi, a man of innovation
Antoni GaudÃ's architecture brought both constructive and functional innovations, including biomimicry, the use of hyperbolic parabolic vaults, the use of inverted models of proposed structures, and the integration of iron and concrete reinforcement into construction, a way of designing ceramic mosaics from waste pieces, a new stained glass technique, etc.
From 1914 onwards, Gaudà devoted himself entirely to his work on the the Sagrada FamÃliamoving into his studio inside the basilica. Leading an increasingly ascetic existence towards the end of his life.
Palais Guell, one of Gaudi's most luxurious structures
One of Barcelona's most luxurious buildings, the Güell Palace was commissioned by Eusebi Güell as a family residence as well as a social and cultural venue and meeting place for the bourgeoisie. It was built between 1886 and 1888 at the height of GaudÃ's youth.
Although the work was not completed until 1889. The Güell family lived in the house from 1888 to 1945. The provincial government of Barcelona then bought the building for transform it into a museum of scenic art.
La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished structure
Barcelona's most visited tourist attraction and probably one of Gaudi's greatest works. Under construction since 1882, it should be finished soon! Gaudi played an active role in directing the construction of the Sagrada Familia until his death in 1926.
While the building is still under construction, I also recommend a visit to the museum to discover some 135 years of its history to date!
La Predrera (Casa Mila)
This is another of Gaudi's famous structures, designed as a fashionable home for the wealthy Mila family. The name Predrera has been used locally for describe the building because of its stone appearance.
The building housed offices and apartments. However, tenants thought they would have problems furnishing the rooms, as they were irregularly shaped. Now.., La Predrera is a museum open to the public.
Colonia Guell, Gaudi's last home
Visit Gaudi crypt is located inside the Colonia Guella textile village full of surprises. This crypt is just as famous as the church with its twisted columns and the Sagrada Familia laboratory.
Gaudi experimented with many architectural solutions here. Visitors can explore the streets and exhibits to understand the village and the church.
Casa Bellesguard, another of Gaudi's architectural structures
Casa Bellesguard was designed and built by Gaudi between 1900 and 1909. It stands on the site of an ancient castle that belonged to King Aragon. Its medieval past was the inspiration for its design, which resembles a castle from the outside, giving it a medieval feel with Gaudi's modern touch. Gaudi's colorful mosaics and the wrought-iron details are visible everywhere.
The artist has created numerous structures in the city of Barcelona. He also left some of his inspiration all over Catalonia. Today, I'd like to recommend a visit to one of these places when you're in town. You'll be able to discover Antoni Gaudi's life's work.
Leave a Reply