Antonio Gaudi: Master Architect

Description

Antonio Gaudi (1852-1926) is one of the best-known architects of the 20th century. Even today, some 75 years after Gaudi's death, his playful, exuberant buildings continue to influence architects, sculptors, and designers. Perhaps most identified with the dynamic, sculptural facades found on his structures, Gaudi is respected as much for his technological innovations as for his daring style. In this enlightening, portable volume, a concise, knowledgeable text by the director of the Catedra Gaudi at the University of Barcelona is brilliantly illustrated with 200 images by a gifted architectural photographer to provide a new perspective on Gaudi's remarkable career. The author traces the influences that led to the architect's definitive style, from his fascination with the Orient and Neogothicism to his love of naturalism and geometric forms. Here is the full range of his oeuvre, including the innovative residences for the Guell family; the daring new structural solutions at Bellesguard; architecture inspired by nature in the Park Guell; and finally his unfinished masterpiece, the Church of the Sagrada Familia, which occupied him until his death. This handsome overview of Gaudi's visionary work is ideal for those who delight in his architecture, as well as those who look forward to traveling to Spain to see his monumental legacy.

Reviews

"Praise for the large-format, hardcover edition: "A sumptuously photographed tour through the strange and beautiul buildings by the turn-of-the-century Catalan eccentric..." - House Beautiful "...comprehensive and splendid." - Forbes"

Author description

Juan Bassegoda Nonell has served as the director of the Catedra Gaudi at the School of Architecture within Barcelona University since 1968. He is the author of many notable books on Gaudi. Melba Levick is an accomplished architectural and travel photographer whose work has been published internationally in numerous magazines and in over 30 books.

Table of contents

Early work, 1870-1885; Eastern influence, 1883-1888; neogothicism, 1883-1909; naturalism, 1895-1916; straight-line geometry, 1908-1917; definitive style, 1892-1926.