Antoni Gaudi

An Spanish architect whose Idiosyncratic work was characterized by undulating curves and
richly coloured scrambled textures.

Life of Antoni Gaudi

Born in Reus youngest of 5 children
Vegetarian due to rheumatism
Devout Roman Catholic
An apprentice at a textile mill in his youth
Would take classes and displayed artistic talent from a young age
Would sometimes fast very unhealthy often leading to illness
Completed compulsory military service as infantry administrator often sick and continuing
studies
Grades were average and he sometimes failed classes
On graduation: "We have given this academic title either to a fool or a genius. Time will
show."
Died hit by a tram, not recovered as thought to be a tramp.
Single his entire life

Work of Gaudi
Modernist style
Harmonious approach to landscaping many exentuated ceramic landscape curves
Expression of personality and feelings
Had a keen interest in utopian socialism
First project lampposts for the Plaa Reial
Casa Vicens
Casa Calvert
Finca Miralles
Park Guell
Casa Batllo
Casa Mila.
1883 took charge of the project to build a cathedral in Barcelona (Sagrada Familia). This
project dominated his working life. 1915 onwards team only
7 of his works have been declared UNESCO world heritage sites

Parc Guell inspiration and influence

His passion for life, architecture and nature

The organic shapes found in nature

Ne-gothic art

Roman Catholic faith

Oriental arts (Persia, India & Japan) Persian rugs

Industrial revolution forms and advances

Interest in innovative structural solutions

Parc Guell particular inspiration:

Inspired by mythology and temple of Apollo at Delfos and baroque styles.

Gaudi and Guell reflected their religious and political ideals in the park. Lots of Catalonian
independence reference and Roman Catholic symbolism.

Parc Guell:
One of the most famous examples of Art Nouveau landscape-architecture. Early 20th century
abstract style also.

An interlinked winding area. Only 8th could be developed. Rest was an intriguing mix of
bridges, balconies and staircases connected by 3km of winding pathways, many supported
by columns.
A commercially unsuccessful housing development Inspired by English city garden
movement (hence Park).
Due to lack of interest only two of 60 envisaged houses were built. Neither designed by
Gaudi.
First foray into nature and architecture blending; Imitation landscaping and accentuating
landscaping
Gell wanted to recreate the British residential parks,
Respected the vegetation that was already growing on the property, such as the carob and
olive trees, - Mediterranean planting/ practical
Designed various systems for collecting and storing water- this prevented erosion of the land
caused by the heavy Mediterranean downpours.
Gran Placa Circular. Originally intended as a market place for the residents, this plaza is
bordered by what was known as the world's longest bench.
Abandoned and turned into park in 1914. Gateway, 2 houses, a terrace and hypostyle hall
only things completed.
Eusebi Gell died at his house in 1918, and his heirs offered the park to the City Council,
Today Parc Guell has
Gaudi's house in Park Gell was opened to the public as Gaud House Museum in 1963.
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

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Effect of Design Today
Gaudis work wasn't particularly popular until 40 years after his death (late 60s). Now it's
revered and studied.
Eclectic mix of material: ceramics, stained glass, forged wrought ironwork and carpentry.
Trencads which used waste ceramic pieces. - Used in many of Gaudis works but Park Guell
is most famous example.
catenary curve
brightly coloured patterns in architecture and clothing industry
Gaud's work enjoys global popularity
Buildings embraced nature (architectures landscape movement) . So not as relevant
Methods used in garden design now but not style. After market lights, windows and furniture
are common: - Xavier Dumont furniture.