Gaudi's Curves - Based on Nature



Gaudi’s Curves

The visionary Barcelona architect of the early 20th century, Antonio Gaudí, studied the spirals and curves of nature and utilized them in all his projects.  Gaudi, unlike other architects of his time, did not rely on rigid shapes. Consequently his buildings feature columns spiraling up like trees and ovoid windows peering out onto the world.  They are remarkable in their organic glory.


Looking up in the Sagrada Familia cathedral. source- wiki commons.



Gaudí’s love for curves is on full display in his Parque Güell, a municipal park on the outskirts of Barcelona. Here, he incorporated twisting paths, imaginative colonnades and naturally formed staircases into a steep hillside.  I took this photo of his famous colonnade there - based on a wave's action. 

Gaudi copied Nature.          photo on left - Jan Johnsen


The large open public area at the center of the park is surrounded by a long, curving wall and a bench covered with brightly colored broken tiles. 

The sinuous bench seems to be in constant and colorful motion. 

source - wikipedia Park Guell

You can also see inventive curves in the unique pruning technique used on hedge plants in Parque Guell. Here the curve of the benches is reflected in the tops of a carefully trimmed hedge within the landscaped grounds. 

Parque Guell   -  photo - Jan Johnsen

Put Parque Guell in Barcelona on your 'Must Visit' list  - get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Everyone loves this place.

Location: Barcelona, Spain

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