Architecture 15 of 23 Antoni Gaudi The Casa Mila

Summary

The video discusses Antoni Gaudí's creation of Casa Milà (La Pedrera), an architectural marvel in Barcelona built between 1906 and 1912. The unconventional structure, with undulating facades and intricate ironwork, puzzled locals and earned the nickname 'La Pedrera.' Gaudí, driven by a vision that defied time, budget, and norms, designed the building around two patios, introducing innovations such as loadbearing columns and open courtyards. The building integrates sculpture, nature, and function, while embodying Gaudí's passion for organic forms and anatomy. Despite controversy, Casa Milà stands as a testament to Gaudí's artistic genius.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Antonio Gaudí's final civic work, Casa Milà, was built between 1906 and 1912 for Pere Milà and his wife.
• 😲 Casa Milà received a derogatory nickname, 'La Pedrera' (The Quarry), due to its unconventional design, which puzzled locals.
• 🎨 Gaudí pursued an eccentric artistic vision, ignoring time and budget constraints, and faced disputes with the Milàs over the final result.
• 🏗️ The building's innovative structure features columns as its skeleton, with the facade being a non-loadbearing curtain wall that could be adjusted.
• 🏚️ The facade's undulating design gives the impression of movement, making the building appear like a living organism.
• 🌿 Gaudí drew inspiration from nature, incorporating organic shapes into the facade and balconies, with an abstract blend of modernism and archaism.
• 🏢 Casa Milà was designed as both a residence for the Milà family and a rental property, featuring 20 apartments and one of the first underground parking garages in Europe.
• 🌆 The building's two large internal courtyards provided ample light, a break from the traditional dark courtyards of the time.
• 🚪 Gaudí's design allowed for flexible interior spaces, as none of the walls were load-bearing, allowing for alterations without affecting the structure.
• 🕍 Despite conflicts with the Milàs, who disliked much of Gaudí's interior designs, Gaudí won a legal dispute and donated his winnings to a monastery.

Q & A

Who was the architect of La Pedrera and when was it built?

La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It was built between 1906 and 1912.

Why did the people of Barcelona give La Pedrera the nickname 'The Quarry'?

The people of Barcelona called it 'La Pedrera,' which means 'The Quarry,' because of its unusual, rocky appearance. The building's undulating stone façade resembled a quarry, which puzzled many at the time.

How did Gaudí break architectural conventions with La Pedrera?

Gaudí broke architectural conventions by avoiding straight lines and right angles in the façade. He also designed the façade to be non-loadbearing, supported by columns, allowing him to manipulate its shape freely.

What was Gaudí’s architectural approach when designing La Pedrera?

Gaudí’s approach was heavily inspired by nature. He envisioned the building as a living organism, with the stone façade as its skin, the columns as its skeleton, and the curved forms as organic shapes resembling natural elements.

What were some of the practical requirements for La Pedrera, aside from being a residence for the Milà family?

Aside from the Milà family's residence, La Pedrera had to include 20 rental apartments, parking space, attics, and a terrace. Gaudí designed the building to accommodate all these functions while maintaining his unique artistic vision.

How did Gaudí use light in the design of La Pedrera?

Gaudí designed La Pedrera around two large interior patios to ensure that light could penetrate deeply into the building. The main patio was circular, providing a source of natural light and interaction, while the second patio was oval-shaped.

What innovative structural feature did Gaudí introduce in La Pedrera?

Gaudí used a curtain wall system, where the façade is non-loadbearing, and the building is supported by internal metal elements. This gave him the freedom to sculpt the stone façade into flowing, undulating shapes.

How did Gaudí integrate modernism and abstract art into La Pedrera's design?

Gaudí’s use of scrap iron for the balconies and his abstract, undulating forms in the façade were seen as precursors to modern abstract art. The building blends both archaic and modernist elements in its design.

Why did Gaudí have conflicts with the Milà family regarding the building's design?

Gaudí had conflicts with the Milà family over the excessive cost, delays, and his unconventional design choices. The family found the interior design, particularly the furniture, too eccentric, and ultimately, they covered up some of his work after his death.

What was Gaudí’s ultimate legal outcome with the Milà family?

Gaudí took the Milà family to court when they refused to pay his full fee due to the cost overruns and design disagreements. He won the case, and the Milàs had to mortgage the house to pay him. Gaudí then donated the money to a monastery.