Gaudi’s Barcelona
The native Catalan architect certainly left his mark on this
great city and a visit to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without
taking in some of his greatest works. An architect seemingly
without contemporaries, Gaudi’s free-flowing post modern
creations were decades ahead of his time. The world has taken
note of Gaudi and this is reflected in the fact that the
properties mentioned below are all UNESCO world heritage sites.
La Pedrera
The real name for this building is in fact, Casa Mila - La
Pedrera is a nickname and means “the quarry” in Catalan. When
Gaudi built this residence between 1905 and 1907 most Catalan’s
at the time lambasted the architect for defacing the city’s
skyline, hence the derogatory moniker. Today none of these
negative connotations remain and, indeed, city residents view it
as one of their proudest landmarks. Standing on the Passeig de
Gracia the building does not contain one single straight line,
instead following a wave-like, organic form. Highlights include
the wild and wonderful wrought iron balconies and the rooftop
with its wonderfully original chimney stacks.
Casa Batllo
Gaudi was commissioned to refurbish this building by the owner,
Josep Batllo. Taking this brief Gaudi embarked on one of his
most daring and easily recognisable designs as he completely
transformed the old building. His radical design showed equal
disregard for the straight line and he added bone-like balconies
and used the “trencadis” technique of using shards of broken
tiles to create a shimmering mosaic of colour on the faade,
reminiscent of the nearby ocean (a recurrent theme in Gaudi’s
work). All of this combined to lend the building a fluid
quality. The arched roof has been likened to the back of a
dragon and some theorise that the turret and cross, which extend
from the roof of the building, are said to represent the sword
of St George, plunged into the back of the dragon. Casa Batllo
is located close to La Pedrera on the Passeig de Gracia.
Park Guell
Gaudi’s surreal garden complex is located in the Gracia district
of the city as well. Originally intended as part of a commercial
housing site, the project never came to full fruition due to the
financial downturn in the city. Despite this, Park Guell is
still one of Gaudi’s most magical creations and displays his
versatility. Undulating, organic shapes abound, decorated with
the colourful “trencadis” technique - what amazes here is that
his designs seem to mould into the natural topography of the
landscape. The most famous part of the Park is the distinctive
main terrace with its long mosaic benches and the sea-serpent
feature, colourfully adorned with shimmering shards of tile.
Gaudi’s house, which can be visited within the otherwise free
Park for a small cost, exhibits furniture designed by the great
man and is worth checking out if you’re a fan of the enigmatic
architect.
Sagrada Familia
Without doubt Gaudi’s “magnum opus”, the Sagrada Familia was to
be the architect’s unfinished masterpiece. Gaudi took charge of
the project in 1885 and continued working on it, even living on
site in his latter years, right up until his death over forty
years later. A massive project to undertake, Gaudi intended it
to be a monument to 20th century architecture with sixteen
towers representing the twelve apostles, the four evangelists,
the virgin Mary and Christ; the latter was due to tower 170
metres above the city. Tragedy struck in 1926 when Gaudi was run
down by a streetcar and killed, halting his work on the project.
A further setback struck in 1936 when a fire caused by Civil War
bombings claimed his notes, designs and models. Today, over 120
years after the first brick was laid, building continues. The
direction that it is to take has been subject to much debate and
controversy but Barcelona, and the world, hopes that soon we’ll
be able to see the masterpiece finished. There could be no
better tribute to one of Catalonia’s favourite sons.
