Ever had a silly dream with funny buildings of twisted pillars and flower-shaped steeples? Such a dreamy and almost fantastical structure is what Antoni Gaudi’s architecture portfolio was made of. This artist feature explores how the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi was inspired by nature to produce some of the most whimsical buildings in the world.
Gaudi designed extraordinary structures that were totally inspired by the ordinary. Spain is full of spectacular structures designed by Gaudi. He is the chief architect of the famous La Sagrada Familia Basilica, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, Casa Vicens Gaudí, El Capricho de Gaudí and more.
Antoni Gaudi passed away at 74 leaving some of his work on the Sagrada Familia incomplete. This is the largest unfinished Catholic Church and construction is likely to finish by 2026 with the building instructions left by Gaudi himself.
“There is no reason to regret that I cannot finish the church. I will grow old but others will come after me. What must always be conserved is the spirit of the work, but its life has to depend on the generations it is handed down to and with whom it lives and is incarnated”
Gaudi made most of his structures with Catalan Modernism which was popularised in Spain. Catalan Modernism is characterised by the use of curved lines, floral motifs, mosaic and glass tiles with organic shapes.
“Paraboloids, hyperboloids and helicoids, constantly varying the incidence of the light, are rich in matrices themselves, which make ornamentation and even modelling unnecessary.”
Although, if you look closely at his work, it is evident that nature is his primary muse.
“Nothing is art if it does not come from nature.”
The shape of the windows on Casa Batlló are not all squares. The shapes look random and varied and yet all the windows together look like they fit perfectly well together. If your artistic style is not exactly what is considered conventional, then Gaudi’s artistic principles might surely inspire you to stick to your unique style.
“There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners.”
The ceiling of the Sagrada Familia, straight up looks like a beehive. Antoni Gaudi is nothing less than a patron for all artists whose work might look eccentric when compared to what a client might commission. This is not to say that basic art and design don’t have a purpose. Rather, this emphasises that maverick art and design styles need to be nurtured in hopes that they recognised for their value.
“Artists do not need monuments erected for them because their works are their monuments.”
Antoni Gaudi studied architecture at Llotja School and the Barcelona Higher School of Architecture after which he went on to assist many architects as a drafter. He worked hard at financing his education and pursuing his dream as he had lost his mother at the time.
“Men may be divided into two types: men of words and men of action. The first speaks; the latter act. I am of the second group. I lack the means to express myself adequately. I would not be able to explain to anyone my artistic concepts. I have not yet concretised them. I never had time to reflect on them. My hours have been spent in my work.” (sic)
Just like many interns today, Gaudi’s first assignments were the least bit exciting as he had to design street lamps. But later on, he got a break when he was commissioned to design Casa Vicens. And the rest is history. On the architectural design of Casa Vicens, Gaudi said,
“When I went to take the measurements, the ground was totally covered with the little yellow flowers that I used as the ornamental theme in the ceramics. I also found a lush palm, and palmettes, fused in metal, cover the grid of the gate and the door to the house.”
Antoni Gaudi’s style was definitely not normal for the times. But he saw value in that artistic style and kept working hard. Today, it is very likely that you may have booked a ticket to visit Spain and the top 5 places in your itinerary are Antoni Gaudi buildings.
Antoni Gaudí’s life and architectural vision are a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the deep connection between art and nature. Through stories about his early inspirations, his innovative designs, and his enduring impact, we gain a deeper understanding of the architect who turned buildings into living, breathing works of art. Gaudí’s legacy serves as a reminder that architecture can be a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Also, the beauty of nature can be expressed in stone and tile. Antoni Gaudí, the architect of dreams, remains an enduring icon in the world of architecture, inspiring generations to think beyond convention and embrace the limitless possibilities of design.
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