Located just a few blocks from Plaza Catalunya is one of Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces - La Casa Botllo. Originally built in 1875, the building was bought by textile industrialist, Josep Botllo, around the turn of the century. He commissioned Gaudi to totally refurbish it. Gaudi was given complete freedom in redesigning the structure, and he certainly let loose his creative juices. Around the same time, two other houses just a few doors away, were being refurbished also; one by Josep Cadafalch, a colleague of Gaudi's and one by Luis Domenech i Montaner, a professor of his. Legend has it that the competition to win the award for the best design amongst these three architects was fierce (the professor's design won). La Casa Botllo is amazing! There appears to be no straight lines anywhere on the facade. We learned that Gaudi drew his inspiration for this commission from nature's own designs, as well as from a bit of mythical wimsey - the roof line resembles the spine of a dragon with a chimney resembling St. George's lance as it kills the dragon. This is a very strong legend within Catalonia , as Saint George is Barcelona's patron saint. There is just so much to this building that differs from traditional architecture that it is somewhat difficult to take it all in. Gaudi's designs are unique, and not to everyone's tastes. We certainly have enjoyed each and every one of his buildings that we have encountered.
Street view of La Casa Botllo. The central staircase leads from the ground floor lobby up to the living quarters. Gaudi drew much of his design inspirations from nature. Here, in the main reception room, the columns both within the room and outside the windows resemble bones. As a result, the house is known locally as the "House of Bones." Gaudi designed the central shaft to add natural light to the building. This mushroom shaped fireplace was designed so that a courting couple could sit on one side, while the chaperone sat on the opposite side. Much of Gaudi's work involved the use of tiles, and blue seemed to be his favorite color. The tile work covers the whole of the central shaft, with the darker tiles closer to where the sun enters and the lighter one near the bottom to create a brighter atmosphere The loft, or attic area,with its 60 cantenary arches, was used as a laundry room, as well as for storage. Even the garden patio was designed with undulating lines and to maximize sunlight. Part of the roof top was designed to resemble the spine of a dragon from the legend of Saint George... ...and of course, Gaudi's unique designs for chimney vents is legendary.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
Archives
September 2020
Categories |