Antoni Gaudi 1852-1926

Welcome to an Online exhibition in honour of influential Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Unless you have traveled to Barcelona or you have an keen interest in Architecture and/or Art you may not have a clue who Antoni Gaudi is. But i can almost be certain that you may recognize at least one of his works.

Antoni Gaudi (sometimes referred to as Antonio in English) was born on the 25th of June, 1852. Where he was born is not completely certain, although most think it is the city of Reus, west of Barcelona. Antoni was the youngest of five and early on was influenced by his coppersmith parents to create and design whereas his four other siblings pursued non-artistic careers.

After studying architecture in Barcelona, (Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura 1873-1877) he made it his main base. As you will read later, his major works are still thriving as tourist attractions in the popular city. What is surprising is that he did not excel at University and fellow students, family and University staff were surprised he even received his degree. The director of the University, Elies Rogent commented at the time of his graduation:

"Who knows if we have given this diploma to a nut or to a genius. Time will tell." (Taken from Wikipedia entry on Gaudi)

Although Gaudi shaped his own unique style of architecture, it could be closely compared to Gothic architecture. His non conformation to straight lines was inspired by nature, in particular the ocean. Although he was always a devout Catholic, towards the end of his life he became very religious and as you will see this was heavily reflected in his last few projects.

On the 7th of June, 1926 Antoni Gaudi died. Tragically it was not because of old age or illness, he was run over by a Tram at a major intersection in Barcelona city. Because he was never a man that took notice of how he dressed or his personal appearance, he was presumed to be a homeless person. Over the following weeks and several decades, Gaudi was mourned and applauded for his work and contribution to Barcelona.

Antonio Gaudi picture taken from GaudiDesigner. School of Architecture, Barcelona picture taken from School of Architecture, Barcelona page.

Sagrada Famiglia

(By: [bastian.] on Flikr 8/10/2008. Some rights reserved)

The Expiatory Temple de la Sagrada Familia or the Atoning Temple of the Sacred Family is Antoni Gaudi's most popular work. It is also one of Spain's most famous and visited tourist attraction. Work begun on the giant Catholic Basilica early 1882 and to this day visitors are advised to take care and only view certain areas, as the building is still a construction site!

Philanthropist Josep María Bocabella founded the Spiritual Association of Devotees of St. Joseph in 1866 with the intention of promoting the Catholic church at a time where the church was not as favoured in Spain. Because of low funds, the land and the construction of the church has always been funded by parishioners, benefactors and the millions of yearly visitors to the site. Although the concept was not Antoni Gaudi's original idea, he took control of the construction and design one year into the project after disagreements between the original architect Francisco de Paula del Villar and the council of the time. For the remainder of his life, he devoted all his time, energy and passion in to completing the project.

(By: **Mary** on Flikr 26/10/2006. Some rights reserved.)

Inside the church, the architecture tells the story of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. For example the Jesus, the Virgin, the four evangelists and the twelve apostles are represented in the eighteen bell towers adorning the building. The entrance at the side of the building was one of the aspects of the building completed during Gaudi's lifetime and it depicts the Nativity Scene. The detail of this is something you can only fully appreciate when you see it for yourself. Inside, the church is supported by a series of columns. Each column is shaped and designed to look like a tree so the ceiling appears like it is supported by forest of trees.

(By: guillaumepaumier on Flikr 4/04/2007. Some rights reserved)

Despite the project lasting more than one hundred years, a full-time team working on it and millions of paying visitors passing through the church daily, some say the project could take another twenty years to complete! Gaudi died without leaving any written plan, but his work continues to be emulated in this project with care taken in preserving his ideas and legacy. Having visited several iconic places of worship, i can say my visit to the Sagrada Familia in September 2008 was a particular highlight for me. It is one of a kind and nothing compares to the detail and grandeur of it.

(By: mgrenner57 on Flikr 7/10/2006. Some rights reserved.)

Below is a video of what the completed Sagrada Familia would look like:

Park Guell

The Park Guell is a giant walled compound of gardens on the Carmel Hill, in the Gracia district of Barcelona. Named after it's commissioner, Eusebi Güell, the grand park was built between the years 1900 and 1914. It is one of the most unique parks in the world, because of it's winding roads, vibrant colour tiling, sculptures and majestic view of Barcelona. Now a popular museum, one of Gaudi's many residences is also situated in the park. Before Count Guell's death in 1922, the park was private and many of the residences within belonged to the wealthy. Since it's opening, it has attracted several visitors.

In keeping with his love of nature, Gaudi was deeply considerate of the environment, this reflected in his work. He designed the park to inhabit several trees and plants as well as sculptures and stone pieces, mixing the two different elements to create a balance. Due to the several different levels of the steep mountain, Gaudi designed Viaducts for Cars and pedestrians as excavation of the land would have had a massive impact on the shape and design of the mountain. As you'll see below, the Viaducts are pieces of art on their own.

(By: roryrory on Flikr 3/3/2009. Some rights reserved.)

(By: roryrory on Flikr 3/3/2009. Some rights reserved)

To the side of the park is a Greek theatre used for occasional performances and littered through the park are beautiful coloured mosaic sculptures of animals. At the entrance, one in particular that catches the eye is a giant mosaic of a Dragon lizard. It also doubles as a fountain and the sheer size and vibrancy of the colours make for a big impact upon entrance. Even in the creation of the mosaics, Gaudi complied with the environment and kept costs low by using factory seconds to make up his pieces of art. Throughout the construction of the park, Count Güell and Antoni Gaudi maintained a strong working relationship, although i wanted to highlight one quote that really made me laugh. When Gaudi seemed to be having a low moment, he turned to his commisioner saying:

"Sometimes I think we are the only people who like this architecture."

To which Güell replied:

"I don't like your architecture, I respect it." (Taken from Wikipedia entry)

(By Life in LDN on 23/11/2008 Flickr. Some rights reserved.)

(Picture of Park Guell entrance by jamesbt on Flikr 6/6/2005. Some rights reserved)

Casa Mila

(By: roryrory on Flikr 2/3/2009. Some rights reserved)

Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera or 'The Quarry') was built between 1906 and 1910 as a block of rental flats for the wealthy Mila family of Barcelona. It's interesting that Gaudi has managed to make something built over one hundred years ago appear almost futuristic. The giant block dominates the area it resides. The main thing that makes the building unique, besides it's bizarre appearance is the fact that besides the staircase, there are no other structural, weight-holding walls. Gaudi was known to say that because of this feature, the block of flats could easily be transformed in to a hotel if the owner wished.

Another interesting feature of the Casa Mila are the Catenary arches that support the attic. Basically a Catenary arch is a supporting, narrow-curved arch. The attic also features various different shaped chimneys and vaults and the roof is adorned with beautiful mosaic sculptures (see below). Today, the house is owned by a Financial institute who have opened various parts of the building to the public. An exhibition to Gaudi is housed in the attic, the main floor acts as an exhibition hall and lucky for them, some people privately own residences inside the building.

(By: Campru on Flikr 29/5/2008. Some rights reserved.)

Casa Batllo

(By: publikaccion on Flikr 29/6/2008. Some rights reserved)

Like a blanket being shaken, the Casa Batllo's facade ripples. This amazing structure is one of Antoni Gaudi's most artistic houses. Although he did not build the original structure, he transformed the building in to something innovative and in deep contrast to it's original shell. Owner, Mr. Josep Batlló went from wanting the building knocked down to changing his mind and seeking Gaudi's talents to transform his family home and make room for renting out the top.

Due to it's eccentric features, Casa Batllo recieved several different nicknames at the time of it's renovation. The windows were enlarged, thefore passing members of the public called it "la casa dels Badalls" or the House of Yawns. It was also nicknamed because of it's thin columns as "la casa dels ossos" or the House of Bones. You'll see also that the balconies look similar to masquerade masks, and as you can see from the photo on the right, with the right use of lighting, the building comes alive at night.

(By: Erik on Flikr 27/04/2008. Some rights reserved)

As with the Casa Mila, Batllo's inner floors are supported with Catenary arches and the tower at the top of the building stands out from the rest of the building as everything else throughout is line with it's opposite side. Like many of Gaudi's other works, the tower is adorned with religious figures. The intricate masterpiece inspired Pere Mila, leading him to employ Gaudi to create his Casa Mila.

(By: J.Salmoral on Flikr 13/11/2006. Some rights reserved)(By: xn44 on Flikr 22/3/2008. Some rights reserved)

(Casa Batllo at night picture by: caribb on Flikr 9/6/2007. Some rights reserved)

Gaudi's Barcelona

(By: xn44 on Flickr 23/3/2008. Some rights reserved)

(By: MorBCN on Flikr 15/1/2008. Some rights reserved.)

During Antoni Gaudi's time in Barcelona he left more than just a mark. His buildings, parks, houses and sculptures are permanent homages to his work and success. As an artist that was panned and highly criticised early on in his career, Gaudi is now a part of Spanish Catalonian history and will be forever. As i said before, the Sagrada Familia alone draws millions of visitors a year, it is being funded by this alone! Before my visit to Barcelona i knew nothing about Antoni Gaudi or his work, but after visiting, it is hard not to pick something up. His work epitimises my opinion of Barcelona - colourful, vibrant and memorable.

(By: believekevin on Flikr 30/7/2005. Some rights reserved.)
(By: writetomikek on Flikr 13/5/2005. Some rights reserved.)
(By: docman on Flikr 29/12/2006. Some rights reserved.)

(By: Alaskandude on Flikr 5/2/2009. Some rights reserved.)

Rationale

During this assignment I've learnt a lot more about Antoni Gaudi than i did before, which i am glad about, but aside from that i have learnt a lot more about Blogs than i once did. At base level, simple things like controlling which order the posts go in, by changing the date. I did not know the Blog format allowed you to edit the date in which it was posted - i found that interesting. I also found out and i know appreciate much more than previously, how important referencing and sourcing photos/videos and information is. I am glad there is such a thing as Creative Commons or otherwise i would be slightly lost.

When faced with this assignment i was first quite keen on doing the information flow. After each choice was explained a bit more to us i found the online exhibiton to be a very attractive option. I immediately thought of doing an exhibtion on Antoni Gaudi because he is the artist/architect that stands out for me. I had also recently been going through some of my travel photos from 2008 and i was keen to explore more about what i had seen on my trip to Barcelona.

The Blog format seemed the most sensible and easy for me and at the end of my assignment i'm quite confident i picked the right option. These days the Blog formats (Blogger, Tumblr etc.) make it very simple to get information/thoughts/journal entries published in the fastest possible way. While researching and gaining further information for my online exhibtion, i was fascinated by the detail of research that some websites when into regarding my chosen subject. For example Antoni Gaudi: His life and works is a terrific website covering every single facet of Gaudi's exsitince and although there's is a website, which has to be a lot more formal and structured, i still found having a look at these sorts of websites helped me out.

I find that my work is different to others i have seen because i have put a lot of my personal opinions in. I know this is because mine is a blog and i am comfortable with that, especially since there are not a lot of blogs out their covering Antoni Gaudi. Flikr was really helpful in finding several pictures, but besides that fact, reading user comments and stories gave me some assistance too. Probably one of the difficulties i faced was understanding the difference between delivering my opinion and trying to teach an audience something. I also debated every image choice, was i putting in too much? Was i not putting in enough? I think i have found a medium for this, although i would have preffered to have plenty more videos in my blog. I found it quite difficult searching for videos on my subject. There did not seem to be many on You Tube. Overall i found that scouring the internet and packing in as many different sources, multimedia and aspects of Antoni Gaudi has delivered me a rounded package.

-Sean