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5/28/2015 6:51 am  #1


Here's a Gaudi Guide To Barcelona

In Honor Of The 'Patron Saint Of Architecture,' Here's a Gaudi Guide To Barcelona

Already an icon in architectural circles, famed Catalan artist Antoni Gaudí may soon be receiving a new accolade: sainthood.

Due to his renowned, unique style and tireless efforts on La Sagrada Família, Gaudi, potentially our first Patron Saint of Architects, will be beatified by Pope Francis within the next year.

Beatification is only the third of four steps towards full-fledged canonization (which will require proof that Gaudí performed at least one miracle), but it still seems a good moment to celebrate Gaudí and explore some of his most astounding works scattered throughout the city of Barcelona (seven of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Behold:


Designed by Josep Fontserè in 1881, with young Gaudí as his assistant, the Cascada Fountain, tucked into the northern corner of the Parc de la Ciutadella, draws inspiration from the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Two giant crab pincers act as stairs to a podium in the monument’s centre, where there is a sculpture of Venus inside an open clam.

Gaudí was still a student of architecture when he helped construct the Cascada. When construction was completed in 1888, the fountain was shown at the Barcelona World Exhibition.


La Pedrera is one of Gaudí’s most well-known residential constructions and the last of his civil works. It was built between 1906 and 1912 and, despite an undulating stone façade and twisted iron balconies, which made it controversial at the time, was recognised as a World Heritage site in 1984.

Casa Milà is made up of two buildings, structured around two courtyards that offer light to the houses’ nine levels. The main floor was intended for the commissioning family, whilst the remainder was split into over 20 rental properties.



The roof is spectacular, crowned with chimneys, skylights, exits and fans. The chimneys were coated in limestone, broken marble and glass, and were twisted to allow more smoke to escape. The view from the roof is also worth the nine flight climb.



This stunning garden complex on the hill of El Carmel was commissioned by Eusebi Güell and built between 1900 and 1914.

Although today part of the UNESCO list ,’Works of Antoni Gaudí,’ the park was originally an unsuccessful housing site intended to exploit the fresh air and city views. Only two of the planned 60 houses were erected; after no buyers came forward, Gaudí bought one and moved in with his family.

There are numerous architecturally fascinating aspects to explore: the columns shaped to simulate palm trees, rubble surfaced arches growing from the ground, a gazebo fashioned from twisted angle iron. However, the focal point of the park is the main terrace, due to its stunning views and surrounding mosaic benches.





The spectacular Sagrada Família has been under construction for over a hundred years, since work began in 1882. Gaudí had an incredibly active role directing the construction of this magnificent Roman Catholic Church until his death in 1926, when only a quarter of the project was complete. Following the Spanish Civil War in 1936, much of his workshop, along with models and plans, were destroyed by Catalan anarchists. Thus, parts of the present design have been based on reconstructed versions and modern adaptations, causing controversy amongst many Catalan architects who argue that these alternative materials disregard Gaudí’s original proposal.

The exterior and interior designs are incredibly intricate, with themes drawn from phrases from the liturgy. The towers are decorated with words like ‘Excelsis’ and ‘Sanctus’ and the door is covered in biblical words written in various languages.
Construction has recently accelerated thanks to computer assisted design technology that allows the stone to be shaped off-site using a CNC milling machine. Prior to this, it was carved entirely by hand. Despite its incomplete state, the church has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/10/gaudi-in-barcelona_n_5528407.html


We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists. 
 

5/28/2015 8:58 am  #2


Re: Here's a Gaudi Guide To Barcelona

Gaudi over the last few years of his life became more and more eccentric and many times was mistaken for a vagrant. His final years were totally dedicated to the La Sagrada Familia. 

We found Barcelona to be one of our favorites. 


 


"Do not confuse motion and progress, A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress"
 
 

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