Light in Casa Batlló

Antoni Gaudí understood that architecture results from structured light, and that the desired harmony in the building is a consequence of the mentioned.

At the beggining of 20th century, Barcelonians and neighbours of Passeig de Gràcia used to catalogue Casa Batlló as “the bone house” or “yawning house”. Nevertheless, regardless of the critics of the time, it is fair to state that Gaudí showed mastery in detail.

His widen architectural knowledge can be seen in some of the decisions taken during the construction of one of the best Modernist demonstrations. Such is the case of the windows, which are smaller in the upper levels and wider at first floors. Despite seaming contradictory in a hierarchical society (where upper floors were destined to aristocracy) daylight, comfort and ventilation in the entire building was a priority indeed.

Another great example of detail is shown in the inner light well, where a simple chromatic treatment triggers a light balance and a “waterfall” effect. Such scenario could be related to Gaudí’s biggest reference: nature. As a result, visitors can appreciate different tile shapes, colours and light distribution as a whole. It is well known that such level of detail is rare to be shown in current new-built architecture, where homogeneity is a must. Thus, customized apartments, according to daylight exposure, are yet to be commonly found.

In addition to this, at the roof of Casa Batlló, the colours used in his famous trencadís technique, which resulted from an accident, are disposed to generate different atmospheres throughout the day in consonance with sunlight and daylight. Such ambiance is appreciated even more dynamic when comparing seasons.

Overall, Antoni Gaudi is projected as a Master Architect between symbolism and practicality, functionality and decoration, despite belonging to a Modernist context.