Gaud Architecture

Gaud's work is admired by architects around the World as being one of the most unique and distinctive architectural styles.
His work has greatly influenced the face of Barcelona Architecture and you will see Gaud's work all over the
city.
Antoni Gaud was born in Reus in 1852 and received his Architectural degree in 1878.
From the very beginning his designs were different from those of his contemporaries.
Gaud's work was greatly influenced by forms of nature and this is reflected by the use of curved construction
stones, twisted iron sculptures, and organic-like forms which are traits of Gaud's Barcelona architecture.
Gaud also adorned many of his buildings with coloured tiles arranged in mosaic patterns. This added another
important dimension to his buildings which is so often overlooked by architects - the use of colour.
The combination of original design, interesting shaped stonework, and vibrant colours in Gaud's work give
the viewer a truly breathtaking visual experience.

Barcelona Gaud Architecture - Sagrada FamiliaA giant temple, probably

Gaud's greatest works and is the No.1 most visited attraction in
Barcelona
Park Gell A magical park with amazing buildings, sculptures, and tile
work designed by Gaud. You will also find Gaud's old home in Park
Gell which is now open to the public as a small museum.

Barcelona Gaud architecture inside the Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia Basilica by Antonio Gaud

La Sagrada Familia is one of Gaud's most famous works in Barcelona. It's a giant Basilica that has been under construction since 1882 (that's not a typing error!) and it's not expected to be completed for between 30 to 80 years ( time for completion varies depending on different sources of information)
Much controversy surrounds the building of the Sagrada Familia. Today new construction
materials are being used which, some feel, Gaud himself would not have used.

When you visit the building you will see the contrast in the stone colour between the front
and back of the building. Also the actual style of construction appears somewhat different

Gaud played an active role in directing the construction of the Sagrada Familia until his
death in 1926. He would often request that work be modified and adjusted until it was exactly what he had in mind. However today, because of the nature of the existing designs,
his work is partly open to interpretation.
Interpretation of the ordinal designs by present day architects is particularly challenging
because the actual construction stones are irregularly shaped.
The building is still under construction so be prepared to see a lot of work continuing
when you visit. However this in itself is interesting, especially if you visit the museum inside the building.
Regardless of all the controversy surrounding the Sagrada Familia it is a truly magnificent
building and an absolute must-see when you visit Barcelona.