by Elise (Dec 26, 2005)

Barcelona is one of the most populated cities in Spain. It’s the heart of architecture and modernism. With its creativity, its commerce, its history and mainly its artists, Barcelona represents progress. Its architecture is outstanding and different kinds are mixed. But now the symbol of Barcelona and its architecture is the great building, Sagrada Família, created by Gaudí, and which is still under construction.

Gaudí was born in 1852 in Reus but soon moved to Barcelona with his father. Thanks to his drawings and his creativity, he got the title of architect in 1878. Street lamps in Barcelona were his first creations. 

He met Eusebi Güell I Bacigalupi, who was afterwards his friend and protector. He created lots of buildings for him, like palaces, houses or gardens.

In 1883, Gaudí became Sagrada Família’s architect. He devoted his whole life to this building which is certainly the most representative and most famous of his creations. The overall plan of the project is based on the use of innovative geometrical shapes of naturalist style. It is also the cornerstone on which current architects continue to work to this date.

Calvet house and lots of other ones in Barcelona were also created by Gaudí. Baroque and natural styles have been found there. They symbolise Gaudí’s creations. It's the same in Güell Park, with mosaics, curves and undulations, which are Gaudi’s architecture base. In the park, curved forms represent a wave.

Gaudí was a hard-worker. He lived alone and spent his whole time in architecture, mainly the Sagrada Familia, on which he worked 40 years of his life. He was really meticulous and thought of the details. He loved nature and used it for his creations. For example, to make a roof, he studied a leaf, and represented it to create a movement. Or he also studied the woods for Sagrada Família’s columns.

Gaudí died in 1926, knocked over by a tram. He was buried in Sagrada Família’s crypt.

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