Barcelona and the Park Guell

Another large scale Gaudi design, this garden sits on a large area of land which is on the edge of the city and which was planned to be a new housing development for the well off. However the plan failed and Gaudi was called in by the owner to create a garden. Thanks to Ken for recommending this wonderful site. With much of his work Gaudi drew on the natural world for inspiration. The garden is on a number of levels and features a huge flat area supported by columns which provide opportunities for his design as well as a venue for concerts etc. The space under the main flat area forms a labyrinth for exploration.

Barcelona and the Casa Batlio

This building was redesigned by Gaudi for the Batlio family and is still used today. The family's residential quarters on the lower floors have been left as they were and other floors are tenanted by "neighbours" . The top floor was used as utility and each neighbour had their own area, including a laundry. It is up here that Gaudi really let loose and the result is that one feels as if one may be inside a large whale. Again it works beautifully both in design and in function. The quality of the workmanship and materials is exceptional.The roof is something else! Anyhow see what you think: