Antoni Gaudí & Modernisme Architecture

Modernisme, also known as Modernista, is a style of architecture from the Spanish region of Catalonia. It emerged in the late 19th century and was popular throughout the early 1900s. Antoni Gaudí is by far the movement’s most well-known architect, and his work is still influential today. Modernisme existed simultaneously with similar architectural styles such as Art Nouveau.  Modernisme buildings are known for their fluid and organic curves, intricate handcrafted details, and references to natural elements like plants and animals. The article below will showcase 22 of the world’s greatest examples of Modernisme Architecture, and highlight the major elements & characteristics of this important style. 

Who was Antoni Gaudí?

Antoni Gaudí was a Catalonian Architect born in 1852. He began studying at a young age and had a particular fascination with Gothic Revival Architecture, Spanish Architecture, and the Architecture of the Moors. Gaudí would be influenced by all of these styles, and he would blend them with other characteristics from the Modernisme Movement.

One of Gaudi’s earliest works are some lamposts designed for the Plaça Reial in Barcelona. Gaudí slowly gained popularity, and by 1885 he completed his first major building project, Casa Vicens. Gaudí’s career then exploded, and he was hired by many wealthy Catalonians, such as Eusebi Güell.

Gaudí’s Career lasted several decades but was cut short when he died in 1926. He left behind several of Catalonia’s most well-known buildings, in addition to his greatest achievement, the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia.

When was the Modernisme Period?

Modernisme Architecture emerged in the late 1800s and was popular throughout the early 1900s. Most examples of Modernisme Architecture are located within Barcelona and other nearby cities such as Reus, Tarragona, and Palma de Mallorca.

Modernisme Architecture existed alongside other building styles, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Beaux Arts Architecture.

Characteristics of Modernisme Architecture

Fluid, organic, and undulating curves can be seen throughout Modernisme Architecture. These elements were meant to contrast the straight and boxy buildings that were popular during the 19th century. Many Modernisme buildings contain complicated curving geometries both inside and out. The image above shows the front facade of one of Antoni Gaudí’s greatest buildings: Casa Batlló in Barcelona. Here Gaudí created a highly sculptural design containing a variety of complex curves and rounded edges.

Modernisme Architecture is also filled with countless references to nature. These natural elements include depictions of plants and animals, as well as references to water, mountains, and other geographical forms. Anotoni Gaudí was known for using using a lot of references to nature in his designs. The image above shows a famous sculpture of a lizard within Park Güell. This sculpture has become a symbol of Modernisme Design and is one of the most photographed objects in Barcelona.

Intricate Craftsmanship is another important theme within Modernisme Architecture. The Arts & Crafts Movement was an ideology that was influencing buildings all across Europe. Many architects used meticulously handcrafted features within their designs. These intricacies made buildings seem more beautiful because people got a sense of the time and energy needed to create them. The image above shows some mosaics within Park Güell in Barcelona. The entire park is filled with thousands of individually placed tiles, many of which are smaller than a fingernail,

Many Modernisme buildings utilize design elements from other building styles. Gothic Revival Elements can be seen in many of Gaudí’s designs, and many features from Moorish Architecture were also utilized. In the image above you can see Casa Navàs in Reus. The building contains several Gothic design components including Pointed Arches and Gothic Tracery,

What are the greatest works of Modernisme Architecture?

Below is a list of 22 of the world’s greatest examples of Modernisme Architecture. The order of the buildings is based on their size, splendor, and overall influence on the evolution of the Modernisme Style.

1. La Sagrada Família – Barcelona

The world’s most famous example of Modernisme Architecture is the Sagrada Família. Construction began on the church in 1882, and it was one of the earliest projects of Antoni Gaudí. Currently, the church is still being worked on, and it isn’t expected to be completed until 2026. The Sagrada Família towers over the city of Barcelona, and it takes up an entire block of the city’s Eixample Neighborhood. Antoni Gaudí’s design is incredibly innovative. The towers themselves follow the shape of a Catenary Curve, which is a form that occurs when a loop of thread is left to hang from a fixed point.

Gaudí also incorporated many of the typical elements of the Modernisme Style, including natural components, and organic sculptural elements. The image above shows Sagrada Família’s oldest facade, which was the only portion of the building completed in Gaudí’s lifetime. Here the hard stone is sculpted into various figures, plants, and animals. This connection to nature repeats throughout the Sagrada Família and can also be found across the city of Barcelona.

The interior of the Sagrada Família is also incredible. The church has a towering Nave lined with tall windows filled with stained glass. Today visitors can buy tickets to see the church’s interior, and much of the profits help fund the construction effort. The Sagrada Família is one of the world’s most well-known buildings, and it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

2. Park Güell – Barcelona

Park Güell is another incredible work of Modernsime Architecture designed by Antoni Gaudí. It’s located on the northern edge of Barcelona and features commanding views over the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The park’s focal point is a two-level pavilion with a hypostyle hall below a large lookout platform. This pavilion contains many Modernisme elements such as intricate mosaics and a strong natural influence. The right image above shows one of the park’s many mosaic-covered sculptures which overlooks the entrance to the main pavilion.

Park Güell also contains a series of elevated walkways all built from thousands of pieces of rough-cut stone. These elaborately placed stones show meticulous attention to detail – which is a key element found throughout the Arts & Crafts Movement and the Modernisme Style. Gaudi had a great ability to turn ordinary building components into unique sculptures. Instead of regular boring columns, Gaudi made the columns at Park Güell expressive works of art.

3. Hospital de Sant Pau – Barcelona

The Hospital de Sant Pau is a complex of Modernisme Buildings designed by Catalonian Architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The hospital is located in central Barcelona at the end of a long diagonal axis that connects with the Sagrada Família. The image above shows the main building on the campus, which combines Modernisme and Gothic Revival design elements.

The Hospital de Sant Pau was completed in the early 1900s, at a time when the Modernisme Movement was reaching its peak in popularity. There are a total of 12 different buildings, arranged into a symmetrical composition. The buildings functioned as a hospital up until 2009 when they were converted into a museum and cultural center. To get a sense of the entire campus, you can check out this Photo Sphere.

4. Casa Batlló – Barcelona

Casa Batlló is another incredible work of Modernisme Architecture designed by Antoni Gaudí. Many people refer to Casa Batlló as the “dragon house” because its roofline closely resembles the scaly backside of a dragon or reptile. This nod to nature was a key element in many of Gaudí’s designs. The rest of the facade of Casa Batlló is made up of intricate curved stonework, glazed tiles, and sculptural balconies. It’s hard to find any straight lines throughout the exterior of Casa Batlló, which helps it stand out from many of the other structures in Barcelona’s Eixample Neighborhood.

5. Palau de la Música Catalana – Barcelona

The Palau de la Música Catalana is another great example of Modernisme Architecture in Barcelona. Translating to “The Palace of Catalan Music,” the building was meant to be a performing arts venue for musical acts. Both the interior and exterior are particularly striking. The exterior contains an array of intricately detailed columns. Each one is unique and they all feature different mosaics. The main theater space also contains a lot of Modernisme elements, including a massive skylight with intricate and brightly-colored stained glass.

6. Palace of Gaudí – Astorga

The Palace of Gaudí in Astorga is a large work of Modernisme Architecture completed in 1913. The design contains several Gothic and Medieval Elements, and its main entrance has a uniquely sculpted canopy. The Palace of Astorga was designed by Antoni Gaudí and constructed for the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Astorga. The Palace of Astorga is one of only a few Modernisme Buildings located outside Catalonia, but it is a great example of the reach of the Modernisme Style,

7. Casa Milà – Barcelona

Casa Milà is another one of Gaudí’s many building projects. It’s located in the heart of the Eixample District in Barcelona, overlooking the famed Passeig de Gracia. It’s located not far from Casa Batlló and features similar undulating curves throughout its facade. Masa Milà is also known for its railings, which are composed of fabric-like pieces of metal stretched over one another. These railings are found throughout the building’s front facade and are a great example of the craftsmanship of Modernisme Architecture.

8. Can Forteza Rey – Palma de Mallorca

Can Forteza Rey is one of the greatest examples of Modernisme Architecture in the Balearic Islands. The building overlooks a busy street in the center of Palma de Mallorca just outside Plaza Major. Its facade contains many different Modernisme Elements including intricate mosaics and striking curves. The Can Forteza Rey also has a strong influence from Art Nouveau Architecture, a movement from the early 1900s popular in cities like Paris, Prague, and Vienna.

9. Palau Güell – Barcelona

The Güells were an extremely wealthy family that were major patrons of Antoni Gaudí. In addition to providing funding for Park Güell, they also financed their own residence, known as Palau Güell or Güell Palace. The building is located in the heart of Barcelona, just a few steps off the famous street known as La Rambla. Palau Güell shows how varied the works of Antoni Gaudí are. Although nothing like Casa Batlló or Casa Milà, you can still see some of the same motifs and design elements.

10. Casa Navàs – Reus

Many people regard Reus as the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, and not surprisingly, the city is filled with several imposing Modernisme Buildings. Reus is located on the edges of Catalonia, about 9 miles (15 km) outside Tarragona. Casa Navàs was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the same architect that created the Hosptial de Saint Pau in Barcelona. Casa Navàs combines influences from Art Nouveau and Gothic Revival Architecture and pairs them with undulating curves and elements from nature.

11. Casa Fuster – Barcelona

Casa Fuster is an impressive work of Modernisme Architecture built as a home for a wealthy Catalonian businessman. It was completed in 1908, and at that time was one of the grandest and most expensive residences in all of Barcelona. In the year 2000, the building was bought and refurbished into a hotel. Although the hotel made significant changes to the interior, the exterior facades of Casa Fuster maintain their original Modernisme Character.

12. Casa de la Punxes – Barcelona

Casa de la Punxes is a Modernisme building from the early 1900s. It was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, who was one of Catalonia’s most notable Modernist Architects. The house is located on the edge of Barcelona’s Eixample Neighborhood along the Avinguda Diagonal. The wedge-shaped floor plan of the building creates three distinct facades, which are all outfitted with intricate stone details. Casa de la Punxes also has strong Gothic and Medieval Influences, with hints of Gothic Tracery.

13. Castle of the Three Dragons – Barcelona

The Castle of the Three Dragons is one of several notable buildings in Barcelona’s Ciutadella Park. It’s an impressive Modernisme structure that was built in preparation for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition. It was designed by one of Catalonia’s great Modernisme Architects, Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The Castle of the Three Dragons has a simple form that combines Medieval, Moorish, and Modernisme Elements to create a very distinguished building.

14. Bellesguard – Barcelona

Located at the base of the mountains outside Barcelona, Bellesgard is a notable residence designed by Antoni Gaudí. It was completed in 1909, during the peak of Gaudí’s career, and contains many of the typical elements and iconography of Modernisme Architecture. There are several references to nature, in addition to handcrafted mosaics and other details. Bellesgard also has a strong Gothic Influence, and it contains many pointed arches and spires.

15. Casa Botines – León

Casa Botines is another great example of Modernisme Architecture located outside the region of Catalonia. The building was designed by Antoni Gaudí and completed in 1892. It’s an early example of Gaudí’s work and is a little more reserved and traditional than some of his later buildings. Casa Botines still does contain many of Gaudí’s typical motifs, such as the undulating curves found at the main entrance. Casa Botines also has a strong influence from Gothic Revival Architecture, which helps it blend with the other Gothic Buildings of León.

16. Casa Lleo Morera – Barcelona

Casa Lleo Morera is another work of Modernisme Architecture located in Catalonia’s largest city, Barcelona. It was designed by renowned architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The house was built in the early 1900s and it contains many of the typical elements of the Modernisme Style. It also has strong influences from Gothic and Moorish Architecture, two popular styles found in the rest of Spain

17. Casa de Los Dragons – Ceuta

The Casa de Los Dragons is a building located in the Spanish-controlled city of Ceuta. Ceuta is located on the coast of North Africa and has been controlled by the Spanish since 1668. It’s one of several Autonomous Cities under Spanish control, and it’s home to a diverse population. Casa de Los Dragons is one of Ceuta’s most notable buildings, and it was completed in 1905. The building combines influccs from Moorish and Medieval Architecture and infuses that with intricate details and elements from nature.

18. Casa Amatller – Barcelona

Casa Amatller is another impressive example of Modernisme Architecture in Barcelona. It shares a demising wall with Casa Batlló and it was designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The main facade faces the Passeig de Gràcia and was completed in 1900. Like many other Modernisme buildings it contains influences from Gothic and Medieval Architecture and also possesses a strong sense of craftsmanship.

19. Casa Calvet – Barcelona

Casa Calvet is another one of the famous designs of Antoni Gaudí. The building was completed in 1900 and is located in central Barcelona. Casa Calvet contains all of Gaudí’s signature design ideas. The Balconies resemble those found at Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, and it contains similar sculptures to many of his other buildings. Gaudí remains one of the Modernisme Movement’s most prolific designers, and he is regarded as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.

20. Casa Vicens – Barcelona

Casa Vicens is one of the world’s earliest examples of Modernisme Architecture. It was one of the first buildings in the lengthy career of Antoni Gaudí, and it sparked many additional commissions for the young architect. Casa Vicens was completed in 1885, and its bright colors and intricate tilework set it apart from many of the more traditional buildings built across Europe in the late 19th century. This break from traditionalism was an important element in Modernisme, and similar design movements like Beaux Arts, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau.

21. Casa Anguera – Reus

Casa Anguera is another one of Reus’ Modernisme buildings. It was completed in 1905 and its facade contains many typical Modernist elements. There are several depictions of vegetation throughout the facade. There are mosaics of flowers beside the building’s windows, and below the cornices and balconies, you can see elaborately carved flowers in full bloom. These details show incredible craftsmanship and embody the spirit of the Modernisme Movement.

22. Various Modernisme Facades – Barcelona

Barcelona’s Eixample Neighborhood is filled with countless examples of Modernisme Architecture. In addition to the buildings already noted above there are dozens of others that embody the fluid and natural designs of the Modernisme Period. The left image above shows Casa Comalat, which is located on the northern edges of the Eixample Neighborhood. The center image shows Cases Rocamora, which is located at the start of Passeig de Gracia. The right image shows Casa Serra, which is located not far from Casa Milà.

Similar Architectural Styles to Modernisme

Art Nouveau Architecture is a movement with similar characteristics to Modernisme Architecture. Art Nouveau Architecture was popular from the 1890s up until the early 1930s, and it is known for its elaborate curves, organic forms, and wrought iron details.

The Art Nouveau Movement was also known for its holistic approach to design, where similar details were shared among all aspects of a building. Things like signage, door hardware, furniture, and lighting fixtures were all designed to blend with one another.

The image above shows the Hôtel Tassel in Brussels, Belgium. This building was designed by famed Art Nouveau Architect Victor Horta in 1893. The design features curving forms and natural elements, in a manner similar to many Modernisme buildings.

Art Deco Architecture is another style with similar characteristics to the Modernsime Style. Many Art Deco buildings are known for their Gothic Revival Influence, and they often contain intricate sculptural details and occasional references to nature. Art Deco, however, is known for straight and elongated lines with few curving elements.

The images above show the tops of the Chrysler Building (left) in New York City and the Cathedral of Learning (right) in Pittsburg Pennsylvania. Both structures contain sculptural elements and have a strong Gothic influence.

Modernisme Architecture Today

Modernisme was one of the early 20th century’s most influential architectural styles. Antoni Gaudi was the movements most succesful architect and would create the periods most notable buildings. Modernisme was able to break away from the traditionalism of the 19th century, creating a new building form that combined natural design elements, with fluid curves, and intricate handcrafted details. Barcelona and Catalonia are filled with many incredible works of Modernisme Architecture, and the modern-day efforts to complete the Sagrada Familia are a testament to the lasting legacy of Antoni Gaudi and Modernisme.

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