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Inspired by the natural beauty of his homeland of Catalonia, Antoni Gaudi became a celebrated and innovative architect through the unique structures he designed in Barcelona, having a significant impact on architecture as it was known.
At the time of his death in 1926, Antoni Gaudí was arguably the most famous architect in the world. He had created some of the greatest and most controversial masterpieces of modern architecture, which were as exotic as they were outrageous. But little is known about the shadowy figure behind the swirling, vivid buildings that inspired the Surrealists. This masterful biography brings both man and architect powerfully to life against the changing backdrop of Barcelona and Catalonia. Gijs van Hensbergen leads us through the design and construction of Gaudí’s most significant buildings -- revealing their innovation and complexity, and demonstrating the growing relevance of Gaudí’s architecture today.
Gaudí's complete works: The inspiring, visionary buildings by the "Dante of architecture" Anyone who visits Barcelona today will come across the works of Antoni Gaudí--the architect who has attracted art-lovers from all over the world to Spain. It was here, in the capital of Catalonia, that the famous master of architecture produced nearly all of his works, including villas for the well-to-do bourgeoisie, the expansive Güell Park (which today is open to the public), and the famous church designed in honour of the Holy Family--a project which was begun over 100 years ago and has yet to be completed. Antoni Gaudí's life was full of contradictions. As a young man he joined the Catalonian nationalist movement and was critical of the church; toward the end of his life he devoted himself completely to the construction of one single church. As a young man Gaudí had a liking for the glamour of social life and the looks of a dandy; in old age, on the other hand, he lived a spartan life. Gaudí never married and devoted his life entirely to his art: architecture. His works have been acclaimed as "soothing oases in a desert of functional buildings," as "precious gems in the uniform grey of rows of houses," and the master himself was acclaimed as the "Dante of architecture". This book provides a sweeping study of his entire career, presenting his complete works via texts and illustrations.
A lavishly illustrated presentation of work by one of the most admired architects of the 20th century, this volume serves to inform and inspire and will be valued by architects, travellers, and artists of all stripes. Material is arranged in chapters devoted to overlapping chronological periods that highlight the evolution of various themes in Gaudi's work, beginning in 1870 and ending in 1926. Bassegoda has written many books on Gaudi and is affiliated with the School of Architecture at the Polytechnical University of Catalonia (Barcelona); photographs are by Melba Levick. 10.5x9.25". Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Gaudi's bizarre and romantic buildings, interiors and exteriors, mosiacs and public spaces, have imbued Barcelona with unique character and ensured his place in the pantheon of great architects.
An introduction by Daniel Giralt-Miracle, commissioner for the International year of Gaudi 2002, opens this book presenting the complete work of the brilliant architect Gaudi. It includes preliminary sketches and chapters about glasshouses, chimneys, 'trencadis' work, ceramic, doors, animals, etc... A 'must have' book.
"Antoni Gaudi was among the greatest architects of the modern age. In his lifetime, Gaudi pushed the architectural craft to its limits, mastering ever steeper curves and creating some of the world's most magical and sensual buildings. Illustrated with over 50 color images of his creations, including the massive Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia, the Park Guell, Casa Mila and Casa Battio, this book celebrates Gaudi's inimitable talent in vivid detail."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
“Color in architecture must be intense, logical, and fertile,” wrote Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí in his diary in the late 1870s. Known for his sensuous, curving, almost surreal Art Nouveau buildings, Gaudí (1852-1926) is today one of the best-known architects in the world. Within four decades, he designed a large body of works, including apartment houses, private residences, park complexes, and religious and secular institutions, most of which were erected in or around Barcelona. Gaudí’s organic structures––undulating tiled roofs, pinnacles and towers that rise like plants or tentacles, chimneys that take on phantasmagoric shapes and colors––are all illustrated here, accompanied by plans and drawings that provide a clear picture of Gaudí’s structural innovations. Lluís Permanyer places the architect’s work within the context of Catalan and wider European developments of the time, but he also describes the extremely personal mystical impetus that was at the core of Gaudí’s invention. For those already familiar with the architect’s work, the magnificent photographs taken by Melba Levick, full of details, will prove a revelation; for those just discovering Gaudí, this book is the next best thing to experiencing the buildings themselves.
