Gaudí's FIRST House in Barcelona!

Summary

In this video, Patrick, a Barcelona tour guide, introduces viewers to Gaudí's Casa Vicens, the architect's first residential project in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the Gracia neighborhood, the house blends nature-inspired design with Moorish elements, showcasing Gaudí's early style. Patrick highlights the restoration efforts and the house’s transformation over the years, as well as its fascinating details like the smoking room and master bedroom. With a focus on Gaudí’s creative evolution, this video offers a unique glimpse into the lesser-known Casa Vicens, contrasting it with his later masterpieces.

Takeaways

• 😀 Casa Vicens, Gaudí's first house in Barcelona, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Gracia neighborhood.
• 😀 Built between 1883 and 1885 for Manel Vicens i Montaner, the house originally served as a summer home for the family.
• 😀 The house underwent modifications over the years, with the second part designed by architect Joan Baptista Serra in 1925.
• 😀 The architecture features nature-inspired designs, a hallmark of Gaudí's early work, including floral patterns and organic shapes.
• 😀 Gaudí's unique integration of nature is visible both inside and outside the house, including elements like sunflowers and plant motifs.
• 😀 The interior includes a smoking room and a women's room, both of which reflect Moorish design influences, reminiscent of the Alhambra.
• 😀 The house underwent a 3-year restoration starting in 2014 to restore it to its original splendor, including the recreation of the original fountain.
• 😀 The master bedroom was designed with distinct color schemes for the couple, with a terrace that once overlooked a waterfall.
• 😀 The rooftop terrace at Casa Vicens was Gaudí's first accessible rooftop, showcasing his evolving design style.
• 😀 The house offers a less crowded alternative to other Gaudí landmarks in Barcelona, providing a more unique and intimate experience for visitors.

Q & A

What makes Casa Vicens significant in relation to Antoni Gaudí's work?

Casa Vicens is significant as it is Antoni Gaudí's first house built in Barcelona, marking the beginning of his architectural journey in the city. It is also the last of his houses to be opened to the public.

Where is Casa Vicens located and how accessible is it?

Casa Vicens is located in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona, a charming area not far from the city center. It is easily accessible, located just a couple of blocks from the Fontana metro station.

How did the construction of Casa Vicens evolve over time?

Gaudí designed the first part of the house between 1883-1885, and later, in 1925, architect Joan Baptista Serra, selected by Gaudí, added the second part. The house underwent various changes over the years due to ownership transitions and restoration efforts.

What role does nature play in the design of Casa Vicens?

Nature is a prominent theme in Casa Vicens, with many architectural details inspired by natural forms. Gaudí directly incorporated elements like plants and flowers, making nature an integral part of the house's design, evident in features such as the sunflowers and plant motifs.

What is notable about the restoration work done on Casa Vicens?

The house underwent an extensive three-year restoration project after it was purchased by Morabanc in 2014. The restoration aimed to bring the house back to its original 19th-century appearance, preserving elements such as the original fountain and facade.

What is the significance of the smoking room in Casa Vicens?

The smoking room, designed for men, is one of the most distinctive spaces in Casa Vicens, featuring Moorish-inspired design elements similar to the Alhambra in Granada. The room was meticulously restored and showcases vibrant colors and unique paper mache walls.

How did Gaudí accommodate the original art pieces in the living room?

In Casa Vicens, Gaudí designed the living room around art pieces that were already owned by the Vicens family, rather than adding paintings after the room was built, which was a common practice in other houses.

What unique features can be found on the ceilings throughout Casa Vicens?

The ceilings in Casa Vicens are a standout feature, often decorated with intricate, nature-inspired designs. Whether it’s plants or floral motifs, the ceilings offer a close-up look at Gaudí’s attention to detail, blending architecture with nature.

What is the historical significance of the original waterfall at Casa Vicens?

The original waterfall at Casa Vicens was a remarkable feature, but it was destroyed in the 1940s. A replica of it now exists just outside of Barcelona, continuing to reflect the home's once grand design.

How does Casa Vicens compare to other well-known Gaudí buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà?

While Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are often more celebrated, Casa Vicens offers a unique glimpse into Gaudí’s early work, showcasing his experimental phase. It highlights his transition from more traditional styles to the organic, nature-inspired forms seen in his later, more famous buildings.