If there is something universally recognizable about the city of Barcelona that is, without a doubt, the Sagrada Familia. This work in permanent construction has captured the interest of visitors from all over the world who marvel at the particular architecture of the temple. The person responsible for this phenomenon is Antoni Gaudí, an architect out of the ordinary.
Of course, the Sagrada Familia is not the only gift that Gaudí left to Barcelona. The whole city is adorned with a multitude of architectural monuments that give its streets that special touch that dazzles those who walk through them. Fascinating colors and impossible shapes make Gaudí one of the most important names in the history of architecture worldwide.
To understand a little better what it is about its constructions that enchant those who contemplate them, let's delve into that peculiar style that made it stand out since the last years of the 19th century.
Modernism emerges at this time as a current that mixes the present and the past, especially with regard to materials. Thus, novelties such as iron or glass are used in the works, but the classics are also preserved.
It is a movement that bets on the integral conception of design and that brings together all the guilds involved in construction. This results in a decoration with a great aesthetic component that explains the fascination it produces in those who contemplate it.
In the case of Gaudí, his Modernism marks the path for Catalan Modernism as a particular school that drinks from the natural elements. Although there are other contemporary architects, such as Victor Horta in Belgium, who also align themselves with this organicist current, Antoni Gaudí goes a step further in his commissions.
Sculpting nature in architecture
The Catalan bourgeoisie was amazed by Gaudí's conception of architecture. The undulating forms or coup de fouet of modernist organicism were not enough for him, who took forms to the extreme. It is not surprising that the most prestigious families wanted to count on him for the design of their residences, despite the many conflicts and anecdotes involved in working under his vision.
From the construction of the Casa Vicens, of neo-Mudejar and orientalist style, he begins to introduce Mediterranean elements in his works. From this exterior that almost seems to be made of ceramics, he includes much more complicated forms, as if he were sculpting nature on the buildings.
In another of his great works, the Casa Batlló, cartilaginous, bony and membranous forms can already be seen. His inspiration is centered on the human body and the natural world. Sand, the changing and curved forms of sea waves, bubbles, scales... Designs that have subsequently influenced all branches of art.
After a century, Gaudí continues to enchant for having been able to create fantasy worlds with his architecture. His use of colored ceramics in the creatures of Park Güell, the amazing chimneys of Casa Milà and the astonishing towers or catenary arches of his unmistakable Sagrada Familia are now must-sees that you cannot miss on your trip to Barcelona. Marvel at Antoni Gaudí's Modernism!
Do you want to visit Gaudí's Barcelona in a different way? Now it's possible thanks to Imageen's virtual recreations! Download our app and visit our YouTube channel to enjoy all the historical contents, don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date with all the news!