Jeremy Casson - The Pioneering Architecture of Antoni Gaudi

Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) was born in Catalan and rose in prominence to become one of the 20th century's most famous
architects; he remains a significant figure in the Catalan Modernism and Art Nouveau movements. Gaudi is most well-known for his intricate and extravagant structures throughout Barcelona, which draw on a variety of sources including traditional Catalan forms, Asian and Islamic architecture, and the 19th century Art and Crafts movement.

1. Jeremy Casson - The
Pioneering Architecture of
Antoni Gaudi
Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) was born in Catalan and rose in prominence to become one of the 20th century's most famous
architects; he remains a significant figure in the Catalan Modernism and Art Nouveau movements. Gaudi is most well-
known for his intricate and extravagant structures throughout Barcelona, which draw on a variety of sources including
traditional Catalan forms, Asian and Islamic architecture, and the 19th century Art and Crafts movement.

2. Early Inspiration
1
Family Background
Antoni Gaudi's family ran a boiler-making business,
from which, as a child, Gaudi drew inspiration. He later
spoke about how his family roots in this business
allowed him to feel and see space in his life as an
architect.
2
Health Challenges
When he was young, Gaudi spent long periods living in
a summer home in Riudoms, Spain, due to health
problems.
3
Nature Observation
During this time he had ample opportunity to observe
and study the natural world, which is suggested to have
profoundly shaped his future architectural designs –
possibly becoming the inspiration for his structures'
trademark biomorphic forms.

3. Education and Early
Career
1
Graduation
In 1878, Gaudi graduated from Barcelona's School of
Architecture.
2
First Commission
In the same year he was commissioned by a Barcelonan
glove store to design a display case, which was
subsequently exhibited at the World's Fair in Paris.
3
City Council Project
In 1879, Gaudi received his first commission from
Barcelona City Council, which involved designing public
lampposts – these remain in situ in the city's Pla del
Palau and Placa Reial today.

4. Casa Vicens: Gaudi's First
Building in Barcelona
Location
Casa Vicens is located in the
Gracia neighbourhood of
Barcelona.
Significance
It was the first building Gaudi
designed in Barcelona, at the
age of 31.
Purpose
Casa Vicens was built as a
summer house for Manel
Vicens I Montaner.
Construction Period
Construction was undertaken
between 1883 and 1885.

5. Major Works in
Barcelona
1
Residential
Buildings
Other examples of Gaudi's
architecture in the city
include Casa Calvet, Casa
Mila, and Casa Batllo.
2
Public Spaces
Gaudi also designed public
spaces such as Park Guell
and Guell Pavilions.
3
Unique Structures
His portfolio in Barcelona also includes Palau Guell, Teresian
College, and Torre Bellesguard.

6. La Sagrada Familia: Gaudi's Masterpiece
Project Start
Construction began on this project in
1882 and Gaudi came on board in
1883.
Architectural Style
He combined curvilinear Art Noveau
and Gothic forms, with the basilica
becoming one of the great works of
his life.
Current Status
La Sagrada Familia still remains
unfinished and is now a UNESCO
Heritage Site. The project is
scheduled to finally be completed in
2026, which will be the 100th
anniversary of Gaudi's death.

7. Gaudi's Architectural
Influences
Catalan Forms
Gaudi drew inspiration from
traditional Catalan architectural
forms.
Asian Architecture
Asian architectural styles
influenced Gaudi's unique
designs.
Islamic Architecture
Islamic architectural elements can
be seen in Gaudi's work.
Art and Crafts
Movement
The 19th century Art and Crafts
movement also played a role in
shaping Gaudi's architectural
style.

8. Gaudi's Legacy in
Modern Architecture
Influence on Modernism Gaudi remains a significant
figure in the Catalan
Modernism and Art Nouveau
movements.
Architectural Innovation His intricate and extravagan t
structures continue to inspire
architects worldwide.
Cultural Impact Gaudi's buildings, especially in
Barcelona, have become iconic
symbols of the city and
Catalan culture.
Ongoing Appreciation Art and architecture
enthusiasts such as Jeremy
Casson continue to study and
admire Gaudi's unique
architectural style.