Spanish modernist architect: A review of Spanish modern architecture – Villas Internacional

A review of Spanish modern architecture – Villas Internacional

The temporal and geographical extent of the Spanish peninsula and its associated history has caused its architecture to enjoy a multitude of influences and manifestations. Throughout the territory there are traces of architectural forms comparable to other examples of Mediterranean cultures and similar to those of Northern Europe, prior to those documented by Roman sources. But the real development came with the arrival of this culture, which left behind some of its most impressive monuments in Hispania. The subsequent Muslim invasion that began in 711 AD caused a radical change in the following eight centuries and led to great advances in culture, including architecture.

All this exchange and cultural coexistence has resulted in a series of artistic and architectural expressions that have put Spain on the design map. In it, jewels of classical architecture coexist, such as La Alhambra de Granada; the Aqueduct of Segovia; The Giralda of Seville or the Cathedral of Santiago along with exponents of the most modern styles and of which we want to speak to you in this month’s blog.

The twentieth century brought modernism, which Barcelona had as a reference center, so we will start the virtual tour here. The most famous architect in this scene was Antoni Gaudí, who claimed his own style and forms mixing traditional currents with more modern ones.

The Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)
Its construction began in 1882 with a marked neo-Gothic style. A year later the project was delegated to Gaudí, who rethinked its design completely. Gaudí designed an exceptional and innovative temple that was going to be made up of 18 towers, although finally he only had time to create one of them before his death. The architect died in 1926 leaving the project that occupied the last years of his life unfinished but, thanks to the plans that are preserved, his dream becomes reality bit by bit thanks to the work of other artists and the money obtained from the donations and visits.

Although not yet finished, the Sagrada Familia is a striking temple full of religious symbolism. The date of its complete completion is still far away, but it has become a must-see icon for the city.

Photo: www.musement.com

Torre Agbar or Torre Glòries (Barcelona)
A construction designed by the architect Jean Nouvel known today as Torre Glòries, located on the well-known Avenida Diagonal.The construction, according to Nouvel himself, was strongly influenced by some of the most representative symbols of Catalan culture. On the one hand, he was inspired by the work of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, taking as reference the bell towers of the Sagrada Familia, and on the north-facing part of the tower it was designed with the intention of obtaining an optimal panoramic view of the temple. In addition, Nouvel was inspired by the characteristic pinnacles of the mountain of Montserrat, of great significance for Catalonia to be the place where the temple that houses its patron i situated.
Nouvel explained that the Agbar Tower ran away from the classic American conception of what a skyscraper with parallelepiped shapes should be. The intention of the architect was to make it emerge from the ground in a special way so, being a tower dedicated to the headquarters of a company related to water services, he relied on the metaphor of a geyser sprouting from the depths of the sea.

Photo: www.elconfidencial.com

The City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia)
In 1989, the projection of what was proposed as a reference museum and city of sciences of reference for the capital of the Valencian Community began. The complex is currently made up of different constructions designed by Santiago Calatrava, and which offer an avant-garde image that takes us into the 21st century.
The Hemisfèric offers Imax cinema films of the latest generation, planetarium and an innovative laser show.
The Science Museum is a spectacular building, which houses motifs and interactive scientific exhibitions in which the visitor can touch everything and become the protagonist of curious experiments.
The Oceanogràfic brings together all the ecosystems of the world, with all their inhabitants, animals and plants.
The best performances of opera, concerts and stage shows will be contemplated in the auditoriums that house the Palau de les Arts, with its spectacular oval shape and gigantic design.
Finally, the Ágora is a building conceived as a multifunctional space of great versatility, to host events of diverse nature.

Photo: www.elconfidencial.com

PWC Tower (Madrid)
An urban element that we usually associate with contemporary architecture are skyscrapers. In Madrid there is no shortage of tall towers and one of them is the PWC Tower, designed by the architects Carlos Rubio Carvajal and Enrique Álvarez-Walter Hall. It is the third tallest skyscraper in Spain and the seventh in the European Union, thanks to its 236 meters. Its shape is approximately that of an equilateral triangle with curved sides and the windows have a characteristic arrangement that offers excellent aerodynamics.

Photo: www.elconfidencial.com

Congress Palace of Aragon (Zaragoza)
The Universal Exhibitions are one of the events that mark the architecture of the cities that receive them. In 2008 in Zaragoza was this the reason for the construction of this great building. Fuensanta Nieto and Enrique Sobejano, from the Nieto Sobejano studio, designed it giving great relevance to natural light: a sinuous roof with skylights allows the passage of solar rays to illuminate the interior rooms. The translucent walls of the facades alternate glazed fronts and metal lattices.

Photo: www.venuesplace.com

Bodegas Ysios (Álava)
This is one of the exponents of different construction and that was elaborated to give entrance to the new century. This is a Rioja winery, considered the most innovative of the Rioja Denomination of Origin. Although for many, this project of the renowned Calatrava may seem too daring, the truth is that it keeps a curious virtue: despite its striking colors and the wavy shapes that draw its silhouette, it blends perfectly with the landscape of the Sierra de Cantabria with which that adjoins. In fact, the Spanish architect relied on this geographical feature to design the winery. The exterior finish is natural aluminum, a choice that causes a great contrast with the warmth of the wood.

Photo: www.euskoguide.com

Bilbao Arena (Bilbao)
As we have seen in the previous case, contemporary architecture is applicable to all types of buildings and needs, and stadiums and sports buildings are no exception. Designed by the studio ACXT-Idom and giving it a tree shape, with arborescent pillars that hold the structure. The facade is made up of lacquered steel sheets in various colors. All this means that, despite its proximity to the Miribilla Park, there is no negative impact on the sight.

Photo: www.construible.es

Metropol Parasol (Seville)
It was the German architect Jurgen Mayer who designed the Metropol Parasol or “Las Setas de la Encarnación”, as some know it because of its peculiar shape. For just over one euro you can climb a walkway that runs through the masterpiece above, achieving 360 degree views of the city of Seville. An authentic jewel for photographers and a new way to get to know Seville.

Photo: www.flickr.com

Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao)
Since 1997 the Guggenheim of Bilbao (Basque Country), designed by Frank Gehry, is, together with its giant dog and spider from the outside, the great symbol of modernity and art of the city. Belonging to the Guggenheim Foundation, it surprises visitors both inside and outside. Inside it houses renowned works of contemporary art.

Photo: www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus

Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Center (Avilés)
Designed by the architect of the same name and located in the region of Asturias. It is one of the last works of the Brazilian architect, who died in December 2012, at 104 years old. He did not charge anything for the project, donated it in 2007 on the occasion of the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Prince of Asturias Awards.

Photo: www.plataformaarquitectura.cl

T4 from Barajas (Madrid)
Another example of architecture applied to public service buildings. Terminal T4 at Barajas International Airport in Madrid, inaugurated in 2006, is one of the most avant-garde airport terminals in the world. Accessible and functional, the continuous signs and information posts make this terminal an easy place to find the boarding gate, despite its enormous magnitude. Terminal T4 at Barajas airport was designed by the Anglo-Italian architect Richard Rogers.

As you can see, in Spain there is no lack of examples of modern architecture, inspired in many occasions by the environment, history and cultural heritage of each region. In Villas Internacional we vindicate the value of functional and avant-garde architecture, with intelligent solutions for users and residents. We have avant-garde design properties in our catalog such as villas, luxury villas, apartments, houses and luxury homes located in the most exclusive and attractive areas of the Costa Blanca. Contact us for more information!

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Modernism in Spanish architecture: forms, functions and features

By Pablo González Reading 6 min Views 575 Published

Contents

  • 1 Catalan modernism is a true gift of nature
  • 2 Works by Gaudí
  • 3 Unfinished creation – Sagrada Familia
  • 4 Outstanding representatives of Catalan modernism
  • 5 Form and function
  • 6 Features of architecture under Franco’s dictatorship

Contents

  1. Catalan modernism – a real natural gift
  2. Works by Gaudi
  3. Unfinished creation – Sagrada Familia
  4. Outstanding representatives of the Catalan modernism
  5. Form and function
  6. Features of architecture under Franco’s dictatorship

Catalan modernism, a gift from nature

In Catalonia in the 19th century, there was a real cultural upsurge. At this time, it was here that the period of growth of industry, cities and national self-consciousness of the inhabitants of the region was marked. Naturally, this state of affairs contributed to the flourishing of literature and various areas of art.

It is in this region that the emergence of a new direction of architecture – modernism, which has become one of the varieties of the Art Nouveau style popular in Europe, is observed. Barcelona began to expand its borders, and on the new streets, Spanish architects began to realize many of their fantasies and build experimental structures that Spain had not even met before.

It was at this time that apartment buildings and mansions for industrialists began to appear. In many ways, the new direction adhered to the traditions of the Gothic style. The general was especially clearly seen in the sculptural design of the building plane, but on the whole it was a completely new modern style.

Thanks to new industrial advances and the production of various materials, completely new forms have become available in the formation of the foundations and frameworks of buildings. Smooth curves began to replace solid straight lines, window openings framed by brickwork appeared. Natural forms and structures that resembled many natural phenomena, for example, the shapes of arches, repeated the bends of the water movement, came into fashion.

To enhance the effect of buildings in the new style, the facades of buildings were painted in the brightest and most unpredictable colors, decorative tiles were used. But it is worth noting that modernism took root very quickly in Catalonia, in other regions of Spain they tried to stay away from the new style.

Works by Gaudi

Photo: Casa Mila in Eixample

It is worth noting that only one name prevails over the entire architecture of Spain in the modern period – Antonio Gaudi. During the 40 years of his career, he has given Barcelona a huge number of beautiful buildings, parks and sculptures. In terms of originality, he surpassed all Spanish architects in his work, as he very successfully combined various styles: art nouveau, Moorish, gothic and surrealistic.

As he developed, more and more elements of living nature began to appear in his works. He copied the forms of lizards or birds, created incredible stone compositions. The most outlandish and striking work of this architect can be considered a house with a wavy facade and bizarre chimneys, Casa Mila in Eixample, which was built in 1905-1907

But the pinnacle of his work was the Sagrada Familia, which was decorated with 12 spiers, a mosaic of broken glass and a nave flying into the sky. Such a building simply has no other analogues in the whole world. The construction of this grandiose building began in 1883, and by 1914 he invested all the funds in the construction and implementation of the project, moreover, the architect began to ask for help from his friends and patrons to continue the work. The great master died in 1926 under the wheels of a tram.

Unfinished creation – Sagrada Familia

Photo: Sagrada Familia

After the death of the unique architect, construction work was, of course, stopped, and the disputes did not subside. Someone believed that it was necessary to finish the work without fail, and someone was skeptical that the building would become only a semblance of the original idea, so it’s easier to leave everything as it is. Indeed, during the Civil War, many of the original drawings of the project were also lost.

But, nevertheless, work continues. Even the angular figures of the sculptor Josep Maria Subiraska did not stop the process. As experts suggest, the completion of work on the construction of the brainchild of the great architect should be expected in 2026, namely by the centenary of Gaudí’s death. After all, at one time the great architect dreamed that subsequent generations would work on his projects.

Outstanding representatives of Catalan modernism

Photo: Palace of Catalan Music

Do not think that Gaudí is the only architect of modernism. In the 19th and 20th centuries, a huge number of talented architects worked on many projects. Despite the fact that in their work they were guided by the general requirements of modernism, they created unique and original buildings.

Luis Domenech i Montaner can be considered a bright representative of this time, who became famous thanks to the construction of the amazing Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Musica Catalana), built in 1908 year. Brick, ceramics and tiles were used to create the external facade. This is the only concert hall where you can enjoy performances during the day with natural light. One of the main attractions of the interior rooms is the inverted domed ceiling, which is made of colored glass.

Photo: House with spikes

Another representative of Catalan modernism can be considered the architect Josep Puig y Cadafalch, who worked in Barcelona in the early 20th century. His work is distinguished by a more streamlined system of lines and lace decoration of facades in comparison with the works of Gaudí. A striking example of his work can be considered the House with Thorns (Casa de les Punxes), which is very reminiscent of a Bavarian castle, but interpreted in the style of modernism.

Form and function

In the 1930s, a new trend in architecture, Romanticism, was introduced to Spain. The work of avant-garde architects is most strongly traced on the building of the German Pavilion, which was built for the World Exhibition by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929.

The elements of modernism have been replaced by the austere lines that were characteristic of architects such as Le Corbusier. During this period, even the “Group of Spanish Architects and Engineers for the Promotion of Modern Architecture” arose, which happily began to use the principles of unassuming functionalism. Their best works belong to the works of the Barcelona group, for example, the building of a tuberculosis sanatorium (Dispensario Antituberculoso), which was built in 1930s. This project was carried out by a whole group of architects, headed by Josep Luce Sert.

Features of architecture under Franco’s dictatorship

Photo: Residential skyscraper “White Towers”

In the era of Franco’s rule, architecture was not very sophisticated. During this period, there is a complete rejection of the international style in which the architects of GATEPAC worked, and the architects of this group fell out of favor.

A new period in the history of Spain required the construction of more monumental and harsh structures that would help return the country to the glorious past of Spain, despite the fact that it was very short. Strict, ponderous, unimaginative classicism was imposed on architects and the whole country. This is evidenced by the built in 1957 Ministry of Aviation designed by Luis Gutierrez. But the country’s economy could not withstand such huge and complex decisions and projects. Saved architecture “economic miracle” (desarrollo) 1960-1970.

This is what allowed Spain to follow the example of the whole of Europe, especially with regard to innovative ideas in architecture. The residential skyscraper “White Towers” (Torres Blancas), designed by the architect Francisco Javier Saenza de Oiza, is a clear example of how Franco began to let in new ideas and international trends in the rage of the country’s economic recovery.

Modernism in Spain. The main artistic style of the bourgeoisie and the last great “big” style

Today we are talking about modernism. So they call it now, when the style took shape, and at the turn of the two previous centuries, when the so-called new art was just beginning its march across Europe, it was called differently in all countries. Art nouveau, art deco, secession, modern.

The beginning is considered to be those innovations and practices that the British artist and intellectual William Morris introduced among his colleagues and students. It is quite difficult to describe the artistic movement, but here is what is usually distinguished: a break from the old traditions.
Not even a rejection of the classics, but rather a protest against the routine and the ordinary. The fact is that the centralization of authorities (royal power, academy of arts) practically did not leave any space for creativity and development. Techniques worked out to the smallest detail and crafts reduced to the level of boring crafts no longer suit the new generation.
They are attracted by the new possibilities of ceramics, fabrics, the variety of emerging materials, dyes. Every break from boring reality is in use: the exotic of the East, the influence of ethnic motifs. The new images of women and the “feminine” are very far from the usual images of motherhood and the ideals of modesty – Salome, Judith, Bathsheba, the heroines of Oscar Wilde, captured by the graphic artist Audrey Beardsley, frank sculptures by Rodin and other masters bring to art a completely new look at the relationship of the sexes.

Wavy smooth lines, ornaments, the use of rather complex oriental and other subjects serve the same idea – more new, strange, unusual. Art still remained philanthropic, but ceased to be closed and aristocratic. The bourgeois class considered pathos, gilding and brilliance (of which there is plenty in modernism, thanks to Gustav Klimt, Alfons Mucha and others), as necessary conditions for art, but not enough: the bourgeoisie also wanted to have something special, to form their own style, and not copy the previous aristocratic styles of past times, so patrons supported artists and architects in their desire, sometimes almost insane, to look for new boundaries and frontiers in art.

It’s easy to say: let’s turn to the exotic, nature, trees and flowers. To their diversity in lines, shapes and shades. This is a great-sounding manifesto and protest against the boredom and routine of academicism.
But imagine a building where there is not a single direct corridor, everything inside is arranged like a forest labyrinth, all windows and doors have different sizes, only natural and expensive materials are used, such as marble, precious woods, mosaics and colored glass. You do not need to be a builder or an architect, it is enough to make repairs at least once in your life to understand: craftsmen should work on such a project, because everything requires considerable manual labor and art. And the cost of the work will be exorbitant.

Not surprisingly, the Sagrada Familia has not yet been completed. But it’s not just her. Those who have been to Vienna and Styria are probably familiar with the architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who also considered purely individual, “natural” buildings to be ideal housing.

Such is Rogner Bad Blumau – a unique complex, a fairy-tale land of Hobbitania, with corridors, burrows, thermal complexes and wall paintings. My wife and I have rested several times in this hotel in Styria, although it simply does not turn out to be a hotel to call it a language. The complex brings a very decent income, but the original plan of the architect has not yet been completed. Large funds are needed, because not a single detail is repeated.
Hundertwasser didn’t even wear the same socks on his left and right feet. When they asked him why the socks were different, he answered: “Why do you have the same ones?”. Everything individual and piece is expensive, so many of the achievements of the architects of modernism will remain a gigantic embodiment of the heroic spirit of the artists of that time and the generosity of the wealthy new class of the bourgeoisie. Which is unlikely to be repeated in the near future in our age of practical and boring consumption. And in order to feel the spirit of modernism, the time of pathos, separation and flight, the time when it seemed that everything was possible and everything was ahead – you have to go to Barcelona, ​​for example.