Lesson 7 Amazing Architecture
Gaudi: Architect Inspired by Nature
Most industrialized countries have produced a number of good architects.
Few countries, however, can claim to have produced a great architect.
One country that can make that claim without embarrassment is Spain.
There, at the summit of the nation's architectural genius, stands Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926).
Gaudi was born in Catalonia, Spain, in 1852.
As a child, he was fascinated by the natural wonders of the surrounding countryside.
Gaudi took an interest in architecture at a young age and studied architecture in Barcelona, the city that would become home to his greatest works.
Gaudi's designs were deeply influenced by forms in nature.
He understood that the natural world is full of curved lines, rather than straight lines.
As a result, most of his constructions use curved stones and animal- or plant-shaped designs.
Gaudi's work is also known for its use of bold colors. He decorated many of his buildings with colorful tiles.
This combination of natural designs and bright colors creates a breathtaking visual experience.
Here are some of Gaudi's greatest works, all of which are found in the city of Barcelona.
Parc Güell
Parc Güell is a public park and is one of Gaudi's most decorative works.
Gaudi completed this park in 1914.
It was built for Eusebi Güell, a rich businessman who admired Gaudi's style.
Parc Güell contains amazing stone structures, gorgeous tiles, and beautiful buildings.
At the entrance to the park are two buildings, both with curved roofs.
These buildings seem to be taken directly from "Hansel and Gretel."
The park is also home to a famous dragon fountain, covered with beautiful colored tiles.
Known as "El Drac," which means "the dragon" in the language of Catalonia, this colorful fountain is a symbol of Parc Güell.
On a hill within the park are curved terraces and multicolored tile seats where visitors can enjoy wonderful views of Barcelona and the sea beyond.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is a house renovated by Gaudi between 1904 and 1906.
Built in 1877, the original building was very different from what it is today.
When it was purchased by Joseph Batllo, he asked Gaudi to add his impressive touch to the design.
From the outside, Casa Batllo looks as if it has been made from skulls and bones.
The "skulls" are in fact balconies and the "bones" are supporting stone columns between the windows.
These details have given the house the nickname, the House of Bones.
Gaudi decorated the building with colors and shapes found in the sea.
Indeed, the design of the green and blue tiles on the wall reminds people of the sea, while the curved window frames were inspired by ocean waves.
The interior of the house is even more impressive.
Everything is curved, including the walls, the ceilings, and the wooden doors.
Because of the curves, the Batllo family could not fit their traditional, straight furniture against the curved surfaces.
Thus, Gaudi had to design special furniture for the family.
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is the most widely-known symbol of Barcelona and one of the world's largest churches.
Begun in 1882, it has been under construction for more than one hundred years.
It is expected that the church will be completed in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.
Despite its incomplete state, Sagrada Familia's incredible design draws an estimated 2.5 million tourists every year.
On the outside, the church will have 18 high towers.
When completed, the highest tower will reach a height of 170 meters.
The walls are decorated with sculptures that describe events in the Bible.
When you step inside the church, the large columns supporting the ceiling immediately catch your eye.
The columns branch out at the top so that each column looks like a huge tree.
Between the columns are skylights to let natural light in.
The colorful stained glass windows filter the sunlight and project red, blue, and green light all over the interior space.
The tree-like columns and the different light at different times of the day transform the inside of the church into a stone forest.
These are only three of Gaudi's many works in or near Barcelona.
All are recognized as important works of architecture, and seven have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These extraordinary works show how important Gaudi was to the development of modern architecture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Even today his imaginative, creative, unique architecture characterizes the city of Barcelona.
No visitor to Barcelona would want to leave without seeing these works of Antoni Gaudi.
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