Antoni Gaudi (25 June 1852 – 10 June 1926) was a Catalan architect who formed part of the Modernista movement. Casa Batlló, built between 1904 and 1906 in the heart of Barcelona is his most illustrative work.
The Modernism movement was the art movement that occurred in the early 20th century that mirrors the art nouveau movement of Paris. Modernism was categorised by the deliberate departure from tradition and the use of innovative forms of expression. Modernism refers to this period’s interest in new types of paints and other materials, in expressing feelings and ideas, in creating abstractions and fantasies, rather than representing what is real.
I chose Casa Batlló because it is one site I actually visited which left an impression on me at how much movement one could actually express on a building. It seems that the goal of Gaudi was to avoid straight lines completely.
The Façade
The façade is full of imagination. Motion is brought out through the curvilinear stone columns resembling bones. He also added large oval-shaped feature windows. The building is crowned with a spectacular roof which, being composed of large scales, looks like a dragon's back. It also has a tower, and rising from this is a cross with four arms pointing north, south, east and west. Much of the façade is decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles. Strangely enough I seem to see Monet's water lilies painted across.
The Roof Terrace
This is a universe of shapes, figures and textures. The roof terrace is one of the most popular features of the entire house due to its famous dragon back design. Gaudí represents an animal’s spine by using tiles of different colours on one side. The roof is decorated with four chimney stacks, that are designed to prevent back draughts.
The Loft
This is one of the most unusual spaces I have ever seen in my life. Gaudi makes use of the colour white. It consists of simple shapes and features a series of 60 catenary arches creating a space which evokes the ribcage of an animal. The repetition of those arches evokes a sense of movement.
The Noble Floor
It is accessed via an entrance hall just as if one is entering underwater caves, with skylights which look like tortoises’ shells, vaulted walls in curving shapes and a spectacular staircase. Whilst walking up the staircase I felt that the art around me was automatically moving me and leading me to where I had to go next.
Once you reach the Noble Floor, you come to a spacious landing with direct views towards the blue tiling of the building well. The main suite is like a shop window display, with huge windows which let the light in. Gaudí created large oak doors with organic shapes into which are set panes of stained glass. The ceiling is wavy, in allusion to the sea. It features an ingenious whirlpool effect.
I am still quite in awe how Gaudi managed to design such a building. Flowing rhythm is created throughout the building through undulating elements and intervals, bending and curving motifs and spaces. It is one building distinguished by its open and innovative management in all spheres of activity.
References
Casa Battlo, S.L.U., n.d. Gaudi's Work of Art. [Online] Available at: http://www.casabatllo.es/en/history/casa-batllo/gaudi-work-art/ [Accessed 20 October 2013].
WorldSiteGuides, 2011. Casa Batlló, Barcelona [HD]. [Online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j31eZTrW0Ss [Accessed 20 October 2013].
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