Casa Milà (La Pedrera): A Comprehensive Guide to Gaudí’s Masterpiece
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
1. Basic Information
1.1. Name:
Casa Milà
1.2. Architect:
Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1852-1926)
1.3. Construction Period:
1906-1912
1.4. Architectural Style:
Art Nouveau
1.5. Building Type:
Residential and civil
1.6. Dimensions:
The main floor is the largest, with 1,200 square meters.
1.7. Location:
Barcelona Eixample Cerdà, Paseo de Gracia
2. A Brief Biography of Antoni Gaudí
Antoni Gaudí, a renowned figure in Catalan architecture, was born on June 25, 1852. He completed his studies in Barcelona and graduated as an architect in 1878. His professional career flourished in Barcelona, where his most iconic works stand. Influenced by Viollet le Duc and Ruskin, Gaudí became a cornerstone of the Art Nouveau movement, although his unique aesthetic transcends classification. His close relationship with the Güell family led to the creation of masterpieces like Palau Güell and Park Güell. Gaudí’s architectural vision extended beyond facades and exteriors, encompassing intricate interior designs crafted in collaboration with skilled artisans. His religious works, including the Sagrada Familia and the Crypt of Colonia Güell, further exemplify his genius. After a period of neglect, Gaudí’s fame has reached global recognition, both among specialists and the general public. He tragically passed away in Barcelona in 1926.
3. Formal Analysis
3.1. Construction Materials:
Stone (Vilafranca del Penedès and Garraf), brick, ceramics, and iron.
3.2. Floor Plan:
Rectangular with undulating side walls and two large interior courtyards. Gaudí’s innovative design included provisions for a lift and a small ramp for residents’ convenience.
3.3. Construction System:
A combination of traditional architecture and innovative materials.
3.4. Support Elements:
Stone pillars, iron, and brick support the building, with thick iron beams providing structural integrity. This framework relieves the walls and facade of load-bearing functions, foreshadowing Le Corbusier’s “open plan” concept.
3.5. Supported Elements:
The attic, a winding corridor at the top of the building, features 270 catenary arches that support the weight of a terraced roof. The name “catenary” refers to the arch shape, resembling a chain hanging from two points.
3.6. Lighting:
The front wall and open floor plan allow ample natural light into the building. The large courtyards further enhance interior illumination.
3.7. Decorative Elements:
Gaudí and his collaborator, Josep Maria Pujol, designed the intricate decor. The undulating balconies create a dynamic sculptural element, while the wrought iron railings resemble intertwined vegetation. The inscription “Ave Gratia” and Marian symbols adorn the upper ledge. The roof features organic shapes on water tanks, stairways, and chimneys. The original plan included a tower topped with a sculpture of the Virgin of the Rosary, but it was never realized due to the Tragic Week events in Barcelona (1909). The interior, initially characterized by irregular polygonal rooms, undulating walls, and ceilings, was later remodeled with straight lines.
4. Outdoor Space
4.1. Volumes:
The building occupies the designated land within the Eixample expansion plan, respecting the predetermined layout for residential buildings.
4.2. Facades:
The facade is a harmonious mass of stone, built with materials from Vilafranca del Penedès and Garraf. The undulating rows of balconies create a balanced asymmetry. The top is adorned with white tiling.
4.3. Urban Planning:
While adhering to the Eixample plan, the building’s irregularity makes it stand out from its surroundings. It is part of the expansion project initiated by Cerdà in 1859.
5. Significance of the Construction
5.1. Cultural and Historical Context:
Early 20th-century Barcelona experienced social and political turmoil. The Catalan Solidarity alliance formed in 1906 in response to attacks on Catalan publications. Spain’s defeat in 1898 and the rise of the labor movement further contributed to the unrest. The Tragic Week of 1909, a violent revolutionary movement, resulted in a crackdown on anarchism and the execution of Francisco Ferrer Guardia. Workers increasingly aligned with anarchist labor movements.
5.2. Elements of Art Nouveau Style:
Art Nouveau emerged in Europe around the turn of the century, seeking to break away from academic historicism and embrace nature-inspired decorative forms. The movement utilized serpentine lines, floral and geometric motifs, and curved surfaces, prioritizing aesthetics and functionality. Casa Milà embodies these characteristics with its undulating facade, organic shapes, and innovative layout.
5.3. Significance of Casa Milà:
Casa Milà was Gaudí’s last major civil project before dedicating himself to the Sagrada Familia. Commissioned by Pere Milà and his wife, Roser Segimon, the building faced criticism at the time and was never fully appreciated by its owners. Gaudí’s design is believed to be inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, expressing the continuous transformation of the natural world. The inscription “Ave Gratia Plena Dominus Tecum” and Marian symbols on the facade were intended to accompany a sculpture of the Virgin of the Rosary, which was never realized.
5.4. Function:
Originally a private residence, Casa Milà now serves as a cultural center and exhibition hall owned by Caixa Catalunya bank. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
6. Models and Influences
Casa Milà’s organic design and structural innovation directly influenced Expressionist architecture. Even after modernism fell out of fashion, architects like Le Corbusier continued to admire its structure. The building also garnered admiration from Surrealists like Salvador Dalí and Man Ray. Today, Gaudí’s work inspires contemporary architects worldwide, who appreciate the harmonious relationship between art, aesthetics, function, and space in his designs.