What type of structure comes to mind when thinking about the modernist architecture movement?
As a first year architecture student (who doesn’t know that much about architecture yet), I immediately think of a rectilinear shaped building that is defined by its use of vertical and horizontal lines. This hypothetical house is also coated in a white eggshell color, to further convey the ‘clean’ and ‘simplistic’ aesthetic of the modernist movement.
While I solely associate modernism in architecture with straight lines, rectangles, and cubes, many works in the modern style often incorporate curvilinear and more unconventional abstract forms.
One unique architectural work that disproves my preconceptions about modernist architecture is the Casa Milà in Barcelona, Spain.
Located on the Paseo de Gracia, one of the major and most commercial avenues in Barcelona, the Casa Milà has six floors and spans across more than two blocks. The impressive building was commissioned by the wealthy businessman and politician Pere Milà i Camps and his wife, Roser Segimon. In addition to serving as the family’s residence, the large scale building also had multiple apartments available for rent, as the neighborhood had become a popular area for Barcelona’s upper class.
Designed by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi between 1906 and 1912, the Casa Milà features architectural forms and ornamentation that draw inspiration from nature.
Like the naturally occurring shapes and curves found across the natural world, the stone façade of Casa Milà undulates organically. Some compare the interesting shapes and textures to waves in the ocean. Others liken it to a chunk of weathered stone, as the façade’s irregularities make the building appear as though it emerged from the earth. For that reason, Casa Milà is also known as La Pedrera, or “the stone quarry.”
The façade has no load bearing function, meaning it is not a structural element but rather a curtain wall, or decorative outer covering. Steel beams were used to attach the façade to the main support.
Besides its impressive façade, the Casa Milà has a number of other interesting decorative and architectural elements.
The front entry, for example, was made big enough to allow both people and vehicles in and out of the building. Once again taking inspiration from irregular shapes and curves found in nature, Gaudi used panes of glass and ironwork to create an abstract pattern.
While the Casa Milà was criticized and ridiculed during the time it was built, today it is commonly referred to as one of the most imaginative houses in the history of architecture, in part due to its whimsical exterior. It is also recognized as one of Gaudi’s most iconic works. In 1984, UNESCO listed the Casa Milà as a World Heritage Site.
Click here to watch a short video about the Casa Mila.
I had to read this blog when I saw Casa Milà. The pictures do not do justice for the beautiful creature that Gaudi created. I am so grateful I was able to travel to Spain prior to the pandemic and was able to eye it with my one eyes. Please keep writing about these amazing architecture as it is something interesting to learn about.