Gaudi: The man of my dreams

My favorite part of Barcelona was experiencing Gaudi’s architecture first hand. Now that I have seen Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia for myself, I consider it a must-see and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Barcelona.

Antonio Gaudi has been identified with the Catalan Modernismo movement of the late nineteenth century and has been claimed by Barcelona as one of its own. Especially during the economic trouble of Barcelona and its nationalist desires of the Catalonians, Gaudi prevailed in making Barcelona a well known city with beautiful architecture and landscapes.

Park Guell exceeded my expectations in every way possible. The park was designed by Gaudi to accentuate the natural landscape of Barcelona. Therefore, the platforms and stairs are built into the mountain, resulting in the most beautiful view of Barcelona. From different angles I was able to see the Mediterranean Sea, La Sagrada Familia, and the Collserola Mountains. This was the perfect view to see all of the geography that Barcelona is so proud to be built on as well as the geography resulting from the Catalan culture.

Antonio Gaudi is known for his organic designs and reflecting nature through his architecture. This can be seein in both Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia. Park Guell is lined with curved seating which is meant to represent a serpent. The walls are also made with broken ceramic tiles and put back together to make rich designs.

This was the most amazing part of the park, I could not get over the fascinating patterns and colors- my mind could not wrap around the fact that someone could dream something up so magnificent and put it into art. Also, the dragon marking the entrance of the park is made with the same ceramics.

Both La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell share the absence of straight line appearances. Guadi wanted to appeal to natural designs and lines, as well as incorporate the r

eflection of nature. There are sym

bols of trees in both locations. La Sagrada Familia reminded me of a giant sand castle with beach glass for the windows, it was a truly breath taking site. Also, because La Sagrada Familia is still under construction, it is a constant work in progress for Barcelona. It is an icon of their history as well as a reflection of their present

and future culture.

I was astounded by Gaudi’s design and his eye for organic, natural architecture. The colors were so bright and vivid, especially against the Barcelona landscape. Because Gaudi identified with the Catalan culture, these two icons are something that Barcelona can claim as their own and show off to represent their community. Each site marks the importance of religion to the Catalonians and can also mark the Catalan territory. Not only is Gaudi’s architecture another element to further divide the Catalans from other regions of Spain, but it is also a site that allows visitors to view the surrounding territory. The beauty is a must see.