In this blog post, we explore the architectural philosophy of Antoni Gaudí and the message his works convey to us today. We will examine how his unique architecture continues to influence the modern world.
Antoni Gaudí is an indispensable figure in the history of Spanish architecture. His name is inextricably linked to the history of modern architecture, and his works continue to inspire people even now, long after his passing. Throughout his lifetime, Antoni Gaudí created a staggering 12 works solely in Barcelona. These creations transcended mere architecture, becoming pivotal elements defining the city’s identity and cultural heritage. In effect, one architect reshaped the very map of Barcelona. Every place touched by his hand was infused with new life and spirit, ultimately establishing Barcelona as a world-renowned tourist destination. His life outside architecture was unremarkable. Living as a lifelong bachelor and devoting himself solely to architecture, Antoni Gaudí pursued neither material desires nor personal comforts. Architecture alone was his entire world.
All the works he created stemmed from deep philosophical contemplation and a profound reverence for nature. Antoni Gaudí sought to convey the beauty and mystery of nature to people through his architecture. Natural elements are woven throughout his works, functioning not merely as aesthetic decoration but as structural and functional components of the buildings. In his later years, Antoni Gaudí poured his passion solely into his final masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. This cathedral was a work distilling his artistic and religious convictions; for him, it was not merely a building but a dialogue with God. However, on a day in June 1926, he died in a tram accident, leaving this world without seeing the completion of the Sagrada Família he so ardently desired. It was a tragic death for the great architect.
Four keywords are essential to understanding Antoni Gaudí’s architecture: nature, curves, iron, and tiles. His works achieve a unique harmony centered around these four elements, creating his own original and symbolic style. “Creation has been constantly carried out through man. But man does not create. He merely discovers. Originality means returning to the source of nature.” These words were spoken by Antoni Gaudí himself. He found the essence of architecture in nature. Nature was an infinite source of inspiration for him, and he captured its forms, colors, and textures in his works.
He created the iron gate decorations for Park Güell inspired by palm trees, and he made the lizard, symbolizing fire, the guardian spirit of the fountain in Park Güell. He also expressed that straight lines are human lines, while curved lines are divine lines. Viewing his numerous works, one cannot help but marvel at the splendid and beautiful curved forms. These curves were not mere decoration but his philosophical attempt to capture the flow of nature. Curves symbolized the harmony between nature, humanity, and the divine in his architecture, through which he imbued his buildings with vitality.
Thirdly, Antoni Gaudí placed immense importance on the use of iron. He had been fascinated by blacksmithing since childhood, and even in later life, if he disapproved of a worker’s craftsmanship, he would personally hammer iron in the forge. Iron served as a medium in his architecture, expressing both strength and flexibility simultaneously. Through iron, he combined the power of nature with human skill, creating original structures. The iron decorations born from his hands infused his buildings with vitality, making them appear as if they were part of nature itself.
Fourth, tiles are indispensable in Antoni Gaudí’s architecture. Tiles were another way he expressed nature. He used tiles of various colors to add vibrancy to his buildings, making them even more original and eye-catching. While Barcelona hosts numerous modern and historic buildings coexisting side by side, only Antoni Gaudí’s architecture truly harmonizes with the city, boasting its grandeur through nature-inspired curves and vibrant tiles. His works transcend time, still leaving a powerful impression on modern people. Antoni Gaudí’s architecture can be summarized by curves and tiles. In this way, Antoni Gaudí possessed his own architectural philosophy, constantly expressing himself to people and revealing his genius.
While Barcelona boasts numerous buildings embodying Gaudí’s architectural philosophy, the Sagrada Família is undoubtedly the pinnacle. This Neo-Gothic stone cathedral was the project to which Gaudí devoted everything until his death. The Sagrada Família began with nature. Antoni Gaudí sought to imbue this building, born from nature, with the essence of human life and the entire universe. The most distinctive feature of the Sagrada Família is that even today, outstanding architects continue its construction. Many would be astonished to learn that a building construction project begun over 100 years ago is still ongoing. In fact, construction is continually delayed because it relies solely on donations made to the cathedral. Despite its unfinished state, this building captivates the attention of countless tourists. It is precisely because of its grandeur and intricate detail. Though unfinished, its structure is so well-designed that it can be opened to the public. Let’s examine the birth of this unique structure: Sagrada Família was created by suspending multiple strings with small weights from the ceiling and inverting their shape. This overall structure turns gravity, architecture’s greatest enemy, into its closest ally, utilizing the sagging form to bear weight. The structural brilliance of the Sagrada Família is also evident in its columns. Each column rises as a single shaft before branching into multiple columns near the ceiling. Inspired by trees, this design reduces the weight each column must bear from the roof. It also easily solves the problem of supporting the rounded ceiling, which varies in height.
The building’s detail is also evident in the sculptures on the cathedral’s exterior walls. The Nativity Facade, the only section largely completed during Antoni Gaudí’s lifetime, features sculptures divided into three themes: the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Within these, many aspects of life are depicted—joy and sorrow, pain and ecstasy, good and evil. This strives to encompass human life and even the cosmos. In his final masterpiece, he steadfastly upheld his architectural philosophy, creating one of the most iconic structures not only for Barcelona but transcending it—a building that unites structure, function, and symbolism. The fact that Antoni Gaudí remains so frequently discussed as an architect nearly a century after his passing suggests he was far more than just an architect. He is a great figure who moves and overwhelms those who view his work. The legacy he left behind has endured beyond his death, providing endless inspiration to countless architects and artists to this day. This proves that Antoni Gaudí’s work transcends mere visual beauty; it is art felt and understood with the heart. His buildings are not mere structures but remain as timeless artistic legacies.
