Casa Batlló, located in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, is an architectural gem designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudí. Renowned as one of his masterpieces, Casa Batlló underwent a remarkable transformation in 1904 and has been meticulously restored multiple times since then. Gaudí collaborated with his talented assistants Domènec Sugrañes i Gras, Josep Canaleta, and Joan Rubió to bring this architectural marvel to life.
This house, affectionately known as the "House of Bones" or "Casa dels ossos" in Catalan, boasts a unique and organic design reminiscent of skeletal structures. It forms part of the Illa de la Discòrdia (or Mansana de la Discòrdia), a row of houses showcasing the visionary work of prominent Modernista architects in Barcelona.
Gaudí's architectural style, known as Modernisme, is evident in every corner of Casa Batlló. The ground floor features extraordinary tracery, irregular oval windows, and stunning sculpted stone work. Straight lines are a rarity, with the façade adorned with a vibrant mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles known as "trencadís." The arched roof resembles the back of a mystical dragon or dinosaur. Notably, the rounded feature to the left of the center, terminating in a turret and cross, is believed to symbolize the lance of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia.
In recognition of its architectural significance, Casa Batlló was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It continues to attract visitors from around the globe, eager to behold this extraordinary creation.
History
Initial Construction (1877)
Antoni Gaudí in 1910
The original building, which would later become Casa Batlló, was constructed in 1877 under the commission of Lluís Sala Sánchez. At that time, it was a classical building without any distinctive features, reflecting the prevailing architectural eclecticism of the late 19th century.
Batlló Family
The Batlló family
In 1903, the house was purchased by Josep Batlló. Despite the house's lack of appeal to potential buyers, the Batlló family recognized its advantageous location on the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia. Josep Batlló, a prominent textile industrialist, and his wife, Amàlia Godó Belaunzarán, from the family that founded the renowned newspaper "La Vanguardia," were determined to create a dwelling that would stand out and reflect their audacious taste.
Josep enlisted Gaudí, entrusting him with the task of designing a house that would be truly exceptional and distinctive from other Batlló family residences. Gaudí, inspired by their open-mindedness, embarked on a daring architectural journey. The Batlló family resided in the principal floor of Casa Batlló until the mid-1950s, leaving behind a rich legacy.
Renovation (1904-1906)
The atrium; Gaudí convinced Batlló to let him expand the central well of the building to let in light, instead of rebuilding
In 1904, Josep Batlló commissioned Gaudí to redesign and renovate the house. Initially, Gaudí planned to demolish the existing structure and rebuild it from scratch. However, he successfully convinced Josep that a renovation would be sufficient. The renovation was completed in 1906, and Gaudí's creative vision transformed Casa Batlló into a captivating residence. He enlarged the central well to illuminate the entire building and added new floors.
Despite not receiving the annual best building award for that year, Casa Batlló's architectural excellence was undeniable.
Refurbishments
Following Josep Batlló's passing in 1934, his wife managed Casa Batlló until her death in 1940. The house remained under the care of their children until 1954 when it was acquired by the insurance company Seguros Iberia, which used it as office space. In 1970, the first refurbishment took place, focusing on several interior rooms. In 1983, the exterior balconies were restored to their original colors, and a year later, the façade was beautifully illuminated in the La Mercè ceremony.
Multiple Uses
In 1993, the current owners acquired Casa Batlló and continued the comprehensive refurbishment of the entire building. Two years later, in 1995, Casa Batlló began leasing out its facilities for various events. Its exceptional location and stunning ambiance made it a highly sought-after venue for important city events. The rooms within Casa Batlló, spanning over 2,500 square meters, hosted countless memorable occasions.
Design
Overview
Casa Batlló fireplace seat
Casa Batlló stands out with its intricate and visceral design, earning it the nickname "House of Bones." Gaudí's unique architectural style, characterized by organic and curvilinear forms, sets it apart as a prime example of Modernisme, also known as Art Nouveau. The ground floor boasts extraordinary tracery, irregular oval windows, and exquisitely sculpted stone work.
The façade is adorned with a vibrant mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles, known as "trencadís," transitioning from golden orange to greenish blues. The arched roof is reminiscent of a dragon or dinosaur's back. One popular theory suggests that the rounded feature on the left side represents the lance of Saint George, patron saint of Catalonia, plunging into the back of a dragon.
Loft
The loft, originally a service area, has sixty catenary arches
The loft, originally a service area for the building's tenants, is a remarkable space featuring simplicity in its shapes and Mediterranean influences showcased through the use of white walls. It encompasses sixty catenary arches, reminiscent of the ribcage of an animal. Some believe that these arches symbolize the ribcage of the dragon represented on the roof.
The Atrium (Light Well)
Atrium (light well)
The atrium, also known as the light well, lies at the heart of Casa Batlló. It serves as a source of natural light and ventilation for all areas of the house. Gaudí, fascinated by light and its interaction with different surfaces, created an exquisite textile pattern on the atrium's wall. The blue tiles facilitate the distribution of light across all floors. The skylight allows natural illumination to filter in through the ceramic tiles, creating a captivating atmosphere. The gradual change in intensity of the blue tiles, as well as the diamond textiles, adds to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Noble Floor and Museum
Interior of the Noble Floor, which currently houses a museum open to the public
The noble floor, occupying an impressive area of over 700 square meters, serves as the main floor of Casa Batlló. It features a private entrance hall adorned with skylights resembling tortoise shells and vaulted walls with elegant curves. The landing offers a majestic view of the blue tiling in the well. Batlló's study, a dining room, and an intimate space for courting couples, complete with a mushroom-shaped fireplace, can also be found on this floor. The entire noble floor is adorned with elaborate and whimsical animal-inspired décor.
In 2002, as part of the International Year of Gaudí celebration, Casa Batlló opened its doors to the public, allowing visitors to explore the noble floor. The overwhelming success led to an extension of public access to the loft and the well two years later, coinciding with the one-hundredth anniversary of the commencement of work on Casa Batlló. In 2005, Casa Batlló received UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Roof
Four chimney stacks on the roof, with the dragon's spine roof arch behind
The roof terrace is a beloved feature of Casa Batlló, attracting visitors with its enchanting dragon-like design. Gaudí brilliantly represents the spine of an animal using tiles of different colors. The roof showcases four chimney stacks designed to prevent backdraughts.
Exterior Façade
The façade has three distinct sections.
The façade of Casa Batlló harmoniously integrates three distinct sections. The lower ground floor, main floor, and two first-floor galleries feature undulating lines, crafted using Montjuïc sandstone. The central section, spanning multiple floors, mesmerizes with its vibrant multicolored appearance and protruding balconies. The top of the building, shaped like a crown, is level with the roof and conceals the former water tanks, currently empty. Adorned with ceramic pieces, the trim atop the building has inspired various interpretations.
Conclusion
Casa Batlló stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance and visionary approach of Antoni Gaudí. Its captivating design, incorporation of natural elements, and innovative use of materials continue to inspire awe among visitors. This architectural masterpiece, steeped in rich history, has rightfully earned its place among the Works of Antoni Gaudí and is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to appreciate the beauty of Barcelona's architectural heritage.
Gallery
See also
- List of Modernista buildings in Barcelona
- Confidant from the Batlló House
References
- Bassegoda Nonell, Joan (17 December 1971), "La obra de restauracion de Gaudí i Jujol en la catedral de Palma de Mallorca", La Vanguardia (in Catalan), p. 31, retrieved 8 March 2012
- Bassegoda Nonell, Joan (26 August 1981), "75 aniversario de la casa Batlló: recuperación de un espacio gaudiniano" (PDF), La Vanguardia (in Catalan), retrieved 8 March 2012
- Bassegoda i Nonell, Joan (2001). Los jardines de Gaudí (in Spanish). Edicions UPC. ISBN 9788483015384.
- Bassegoda i Nonell, Joan (2001b). La Casa Batlló (in Spanish). Barcelona: Publicaciones de la Real Cátedra Gaudí. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
- Lahuerta, Juan José (2001), Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Gaudí, Pere Vivas i Ricard Pla, photographer, Triangle Postals, ISBN 978-84-8478-025-0, retrieved 7 March 2012
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