The Oasis: Park Güell

Upon learning that our field study tour was going to take place in Barcelona I was immediately thinking about Antonio Gaudi. I had learned about his world famous architecture in Barcelona in a previous course. However, upon arriving in the Park Güell it created a feeling as if it were its own community which in turn I found out was its original purpose. The functionality, symbolism and original purpose of the Park Güell project really tells a lot about Catalonian culture. From simply walking around and enjoying the breathtaking view of Barcelona from the main dirt plaza it appears simply to be a unique, Art Noveau park with a Catalan twist. However, I find it interesting that Gaudi took on this project to form an aristocratic suburb that was funded by Count Eusebi Güell (http://www.gaudiallgaudi.com/AA010.htm). In terms of the location of the park this makes sense because it almost looks down over the city of Barcelona which lead many to described the park as a retreat from the city. Also, arriving to the park from the back, rather than through the main entrance, gave us small glimpses of the park until we reached the view of all views in the central plaza, only to find more structure hidden beneath.

http://www.pabloeiroa.com/Gaudi-Guel-Park-Cablevision-Interview.htm). This park in particular is a symbol of Barcelona’s growth and search for a new modern identity in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. It was created initially in response to the expansion of the city and a demand for more housing in which originally the park was to provide around sixty homes. It was also interesting to see this similar and more recent strive for modernity and identity in Valencia’s City of the Arts and Sciences.

Another interesting note that may not have been apparent upon first viewing the park is some of the symbolism. Gaudi actually incorporates some Christian symbolism along with Catalonian nationalist ideals. For example the gate and houses at the entrance have been seen as the entrance to paradise. Within the larges staircase there is a, “enclosed in a medallion, is the snake's head under a Catalan flag. There is a combined suggestion of medicine and healing along with nationalism. The snake represented the ancient Greek python mythology as well as perhaps a Biblical reference.” (Great weblink about all of the symbolism and architectural forms in the Park Güell). I think this truly exemplifies the social structure of this time in terms of nationalism and religion. Gaudi’s works are spread throughout Barcelona and it is easy to see why people of Barcelona are proud to be symbolized by his work with how much pride and care he put in to his work.