Antoni Gaudí

Early Years Rheumatoid arthritis contributed to a solitary nature Early love of nature Attended the Collegi de les Escoles Píes de Reus Architecture student at the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura

Interests Fascination of nature. He studied nature's angles and curves and incorporated them into his designs. Most of his designs resemble elements from the environment. Long walks, besides suppressing his rheumatism, allowed him to experience nature.

Ciutadella Park

Later Years Gaudí was an ardent Catholic and a fervent Catalan nationalist. In his later years, he abandoned secular work and devoted his life to Catholicism. In the early twentieth century, Gaudí's closest family and friends began to die; his works slowed to a halt; and his attitude changed. The construction of La Sagrada Família slowed; the construction of La Colonia Güell ceased altogether. He became reluctant to talk with reporters and solely concentrated on his masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. In 1926, Antoni Gaudí was run over by a tram. He was buried in the midst of his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família.

The Cathedral of Mallorca

Bellesguard

The Monastery of Montserrat

La Sagrada Familia “Church of the Holy Family” Barcelona Date:1882 to 1926 Church Masonry Urban Expressionist

Artistic Style Gaudí's first works were designed in the style of gothic and traditional Catalan architectural modes, but he soon developed his own distinct sculptural style. Eugene Viollet-le-Duc proved a major influence on Gaudí. He integrated the parabolic arch, nature's organic shapes, and the fluidity of water into his architecture. He observed the forces of gravity and related catenary principles. Using the Catalan trencadis technique, Gaudí often decorated surfaces with broken tiles. Art Nouveau architecture, a precursor to modern architecture.

Park Guell Barcelona Date: 1900 to 1914 Park, sculpture garden Earth, plantings, and masonry Urban Style: Expressionist

Popularity First ridiculed by his peers. Supported by rich industrialist Eusebi Guell. His fellow citizens referred to the Casa Milà as La Pedrera ("the quarry") George Orwell, who stayed at Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, hated his work. As time passed, his work became more famous

Social and Political Influences Showcased Catalonia’s diverse art techniques. Promoted the Catalan nationalist movement by incorporating elements of Catalan culture in his designs

Influence Rumored that Gaudí's abandoned plans for a NY skyscraper influenced the redesign of the World Trade Center after Sept. 11, 2001 In 1992, five artists founded La Asociación por Beatificación de Antonio Gaudí. The secular association has since pushed for the Catholic Church to declare Gaudi blessed. Gaudí's life and work inspired The Alan Parson’s Project to create the 1987 album Gaudi.