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An Influence on Barcelona’s Culture
The culture of any given city can be greatly influenced by many factors such as the artists that reside within the city. Artists can influence the culture through their music, paintings, sculptures, and architecture. Furthermore, an artist’s impact on culture can remain eternal. One such artist, Antoni Gaudí, used his architecture to shape the culture of Barcelona, Spain. Gaudí’s anomalous childhood is the source of his extraordinary techniques that cannot be mimicked by even the most experienced architect. Such techniques of his have created breathtaking structures such as Park Güell and Sagrada Família. Both of these works influence the culture of Barcelona in various aspects. As a result, Antoni Gaudí lived an abnormal life that contributed to his distinctive technique. In addition, his works influence the culture of Barcelona. To begin with, Antoni Gaudí lived an atypical childhood. He suffered a treacherous medical condition that affected his social relationships. From the beginning of his childhood, Gaudí “ had a rheumatic problem that prevented him from playing with other children his age, and required him to move about on a donkey or stay at home, because the pain kept him from walking” (Gaudí and Barcelona Club). Gaudí’s medical condition caused him to be an outcast, which resulted in isolation from his peers. Furthermore, since he could not maintain relationships with children, he spent his past time observing nature (Gaudí and Barcelona Club). Despite his social difficulties, Gaudí succeeded in his academics. After changing schools, at age eleven, it is noted that Gaudí “achieved very good grades in geometry” (Gaudí and Barcelona Club). Thus, Gaudí became very skilled at recognizing and comprehending the properties of geometric shapes. Gaudí’s abnormal childhood contributed to his various masterpieces. His studies of nature and intellect in geometry can easily be observed in Gaudí’s works, such as the Sagrada Família. In conclusion, Gaudí endured an unusual childhood.
Sagrada Familia Moreover, Gaudí employed distinctive techniques that contributed to the impact of his works. As the previous paragraph discussed, Gaudí spent a lot of his spare time observing nature. This part of his lifestyle helped develop his technique. When referencing the influence of nature on his structures, it is noted that “The elements verticalizing the resulting forces are interior in the Sagrada Família cathedral; these columns resemble trees and are divided into several branches at certain heights… each branch of a column and the column itself only support one particular section of the superstructure, roof and ceiling, independently from the rest. Each branch of the tree-column is directed towards the centre of gravity of the section of the vault that it is supposed to carry” (Wikipedia.com). One of the aspects of nature that Gaudí utilizes in his works is the structure of the tree. In respect to the Sagrada Família, Gaudí uses three-dimensional trees as columns to support the weight of the ceiling. In addition, he has methodically designed and placed them in a fashion that conforms to the centre of gravity. Furthermore, Gaudí’s expertise in geometry also contributed to his works. When researching the influence of mathematics, it is understood that Gaudí’s technique “does not copy the nature but that includes/understands its geometry and its principles: it has infinity of forms that can be studied by means of regulated geometry; he studies the laws of statics and dynamics like example the natural structures of fibrous composition, such as rushes, canes and bones” (Wikipedia.com). Gaudí does not just use geometric shapes in his structures; he actually applies geometric properties to nature-inspired aspects. Hence, Gaudí’s work was influenced by his interest in nature and his comprehension of geometry.
Furthermore, Gaudí’s works influence the culture of Barcelona. In reference to Park Güell’s influence on Barcelona’s culture, there are numerous aspects to discuss. In general, the park’s overall landscape and architecture creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere. This park is not only a destination for tourists, but it is a peaceful refuge for many inhabitants of Barcelona. Additionally, Park Güell has also influenced culture by representing “an exceptional and outstanding creative contribution to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries” (“Works of…”). Gaudí’s Park Güell influences the culture of modern Barcelona by exhibiting the culture of his time in a peaceful and enjoyable setting. Moreover, the Sagrada Família correspondingly influences Barcelona’s culture. Although not yet completed, what presently stands is of such a high impact that many travel great distances to experience the structure. Indubitably if a structure is so magnificent that tourists wait in extensive lines just to see the construction and not even the finished product, that structure illustrates cultural importance. What influences Barcelona’s culture is not only the structure of the Sagrada Família, but the religious significance as well. When referring to one site of holy significance, the Nativity façade, it is “oriented to the east and the rising sun, [and] is dedicated to the birth of Jesus and his life. The ground plans of the bell-towers are squared and the diagonal of these plans goes perpendicular to the façade, creating in their confluence a tripartite entrance with three portals dedicated to the three Christian virtues: Hope, Faith and Charity” (“Architecture…”). Not only did Gaudí design a miraculous church, he honored Jesus and the Christian religion. Thus, many enjoy the Sagrada Família for its architectural superiority and its religious magnitude. Aside from his many accomplishments, Gaudí created a park for peaceful recreation and a church for spiritual sanctuary. Accordingly, Gaudí’s masterpieces have contributed to the culture of Barcelona.
Consequently, Gaudí’s atypical childhood contributed to his inimitable artistic technique. This technique created breathtaking structures that influence the culture of Barcelona. His great works serve as common tourist destinations, and they also provide a different significance to Barcelona’s residents. Although Gaudí may not have intended his works to be common tourist interests, he gave his gift of personal sanctuaries to the inhabitants and the rest of the world. Hence, the culture of Barcelona in the aspects of its extraordinary architecture and tourist destinations is attributed to Antoni Gaudí. |
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