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Antoni Gaudi, An Architects With His Social Commitments
Art Nouveau became fashionable in various civilizations in the last half of the nineteenth century, especially in applied arts and architecture. But everywhere, it was adapted to the cultural effects of the place and emerged with its unique indigenous characteristics. Antoni Gaudi, an architect with his social commitments, best considered the pioneer of Spanish Art Nouveau, took advantage of three influential forces. These three significant factors were his artistic approach, his vigorous religious ideology, and his local cultural tradition within the features of Catalan nature. The next step was integrating those forces with his imaginative, poetic creations in a contemporary concept and an innovative, stylish framework.
Antoni Gaudi hadn’t perfect health as a child and suffered from rheumatism. He had to spend most of his childhood in the countryside, away from the chaos and bustling city life. Close to nature and fascinated by its beauty of organic patterns and textures, he used those natural themes in his designs when he started later his artistic career.
The highlights of his works are Parque Güell; Casa Batlló; Casa Mila; Casa Vicens and La Sagrada Familia. Here I will briefly mention some particulars about his architectural designs.
Parc Güell, Spectacular Design of Antoni Gaudi
Parc Güell is a garden with architectural elements located on Carmel Hill, in Gracia, the district of Barcelona. This geographical collection is one of Gaudi’s works on UNESCO World Heritage. The park’s design resulted in rock-covered pergolas, stairways, paths and undulating multi-coloured mosaic decorations, which harmoniously are integrated into the landscape. The plan displays the social commitment of Gaudi. Some believe that his design motivation is intensively religious and associated with his spiritual inspiration. Güell’s design was intensively involved in the social reforms, as the park intended to become a residential area and not a recreation park for the everyday passerby. Only two lots were sold from the sixty triangular plots planned on its broad, sunny slope. In Casa Batlló, everything is curved, rounded like the sea waves. The facade is covered with mosaic, reminiscent of the scales of a fish. The columns on the ground floor resemble the legs of dinosaurs, and the undulating mosaic roof is similar to the backbone of a giant monster. The balconies looked like gigantic jaws and large sea creatures as they were springing out of the sea.
The Unesco World Heritage List
Many consider Casa Mila to be Gaudi’s most successful non-religious work. He built this building from 1906 to 1910. Gaudi himself described it as “a layer of stone that has been enriched by the flowers and plants which grow on its balconies and constantly change its colour.” The beauty and innovation of Casa Mila can be seen not only in the facade of the building but also in its rooms, courtyards and patios. Numerous chimneys and sculptures on the terrace of the building are among the tourist attractions of Barcelona. The UNESCO World Heritage list includes this building and other architectural works of Gaudi. Gaudi was tragically killed when he was run over by a tram. He died at the age of 74, in the hospital a few weeks later, in 1926, from his injuries.
Here I will draw your attention especially to his two buildings, the Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. See the next posts.
Text: Lalerou
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- Category: Architecture Art Nouveau
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