Splendid Buildings of a Spanish Architect Antoni Gaudi i Cornet

Antoni Gaudi, son of a coppersmith, was born in Reus, Spain in 1852. He never married in his life. He studied at Escola Superior d’Arquitectura in Barcelona. Throughout his professional life, he developed a freely flowing curvy, sensuous and surreal design theme. This led him to be the pioneer of the Spanish Art Nouveau movement. Gaudi was among the influential Spanish architects created a unique style by establishing characteristically deformed formation of Gothic architecture that got attention and acclamation from many avant-garde designers. Influenced by neo-Gothic style, Antoni Gaudi was a significant part of Modernista movement in 19^th and 20^th centuries and he is considered as a pioneer of modern architecture.
Antonio Gaudi’s designs are highly influenced by religion, nature and sui generis philosophy. He was a genius in using colors, textures and forms in a way never discovered before. Antoni Gaudi architecture was inspired by natural organic forms. He designed each detail of his projects.

Extraordinary works of the Catalan architect led to creation of some of the most prominent masterpieces of architecture in the city of Barcelona. Most of his spectacular works are located in Barcelona. Apart from Antoni Gaudi buildings, he also designed landscapes, sculptures and other artistic works.

Casa Batllo, Barcelona, Spain

Casa Batllo was a residential apartment building built between 1905 to 1907. It was built in concrete. Gaudi designed the building using elegantly curved forms and undulations in balconies. Design of the building is largely characterized by organic forms with no edges and corners and façade shimmers in beautiful voluptuous tones and texture. Roofline resembles a dragon’s spine and its covered in ceramic tiles to depict scales. Colors of the tiles vary gradually from green, blue, violet, red and pink.

Casa Mila, Barcelona, Spain

Casa Mila is one of the most famous architectural buildings of Antoni Gaudi. Casa Mila was a multifamily housing edifice built around 1906 to 1910 in Barcelona, Spain. It was constructed in concrete and masonry. It comprises of two buildings designed around courtyards. Architect used natural features, sensuous curves for façade as well as interiors and roof form. Curving balconies of wrought iron and rough stone appearance of façade are prominent features of his design. Chimneys sit amazingly on the roof. On the interiors, there were beautifully crafted wooden doors, furniture, tiles, ceiling designs, staircase and numerous other artworks. This building lies under UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

Sagrada Familia is a church built between 1882 to 1926 in Barcelona, Spain. The expansive church was built in masonry but its construction did not complete during Gaudi’s life. He merged elements of Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture in the building. Design of the sagrada familia architecture includes three eminent façades such as the Nativity façade, the Passion façade and the Glory façade. Architect adopted naturalistic theme for the design decorated with sculptures and scenes from nature. This church is a symbol of deep religiosity of the architect.

Antonio Gaudi’s work surpassed the prominent design themes within eclecticism of 19^th century to create his unique aesthetic philosophy. All of the creations of Spanish architect are distinct masterpieces of architecture. Some of his grand buildings are significant parts of UNESCO World Heritage Site.