Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló
1904-1906
Presented by Marcie Franklund

Antoni Gaudí was commissioned by wealthy industrialist Joseph Batlló. He was asked to renovate an existing building on Passeig de Gracia for his family’s residence. Situated on the "Manzana de la Discordia" or the "Block of Discord", Casa Batlló was among several very different interpretations of Catalan Modernisme.
The very simple existing structure was completely transformed, acquiring names such as "The House of Bones" and "The House of Yawns" among many others. Both describe Gaudí’s imaginative use of nature and human form. Inspiration is thought to have come from a variety of sources, the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains of Montserrat, and Monet’s water lily paintings.
The design incorporates the senses; walls and staircases curve and bend into organic forms moving through the spaces. Walls do not just meet the ceilings; instead they blend together, pulling the movement from each plane. Color and pattern fill and bring life to the spaces. Railings, knobs and handles fit to the hand.
At the height of Gaudí’s "Period of Maturity" in design, he successfully creates a place where in each space, the body and mind are fully engaged.