Antonio Gaudi is a 19th-century Catalan architect known for his innovative thinking. That is why he managed to create such objects that still attract the eye, even if you look in the opposite direction. Vicens House is one of Gaudi's first projects. And this is also the most striking and memorable attraction in Barcelona. In subsequent works, the architect ignored straight lines and, as it seems, all the laws of physics, and this house has a clear rectangular shape. Antonio Gaudi was endowed with phenomenal opportunities - he never worked with drawings, he made all calculations exclusively in his mind.
Order for designing a private house
In 1878, Antonio Gaudi received an architect’s diploma and began executing an order from Manuel Wiesens, the owner of a brick and ceramic tile factory. The industrialist wanted a house that would serve him as a summer residence, so Gaudi decides to focus on the garden. By the way, Vicens House is very different from the subsequent works of the architect, as it has strict lines and a rectangular shape.
A small area for development was allocated, but Gaudi coped with this problem: he moved the building to the background, due to which he managed to visually expand the area of the garden.
Vicenza House (Antonio Gaudi): Description of the Architect's Early Work
Even despite the strong difference between the first serious work and the subsequent ones, this structure deserves attention, since there are a lot of interesting and eye-catching details. The building stands out for its beautiful turrets and graceful bay windows, carved balconies and surprisingly unusual facades.
The combination of shades is a separate issue. It seems that the best fusion of colors just can not come up with. Moreover, the colorful color of the structure does not just attract attention, but creates the illusion of volume. The facade is motley, but this does not spoil it at all. On the contrary, the house turned out to be somehow “warm”.
Like any other architect, Gaudi sought to ensure that the Vicens House (Barcelona) stood out from other buildings surrounding the building. They are all made in an eclectic style, while Antonio decided to turn to modernity to achieve his goal.
It is important that each element has its own place, and even the smallest details are in perfect harmony with each other. In other words, if you delete something, the picture will radically change. On the facade you can see images of the most popular flowers in Barcelona - marigolds. They were planted in the garden, so the architect managed to achieve harmony between the building and the green area. She seemed to be a continuation of the residence.
Vicens House was completed in 1885. In 1925, the owners decided to make a reconstruction, during which they removed part of the garden. Then they demolished the fence, removed the rotunda and the fountain with a cascade. Therefore, to this day, the pristine beauty of Gaudi's early work did not survive. This is confirmed by comparing the first photo with the subsequent ones.
The role of Vicença in the career of a Catalan architect
Many believe that this project was a kind of starting point in the career of the then not-so- famous architect. After all, before Gaudi received the order, he participated in various competitions that were not useful, and was a draftsman in the architectural bureaus of the capital. In general, this person just needed to show what he was capable of, and Vicens, who became interested in young talent, gave him a chance. Gaudi, I must admit, used it to the fullest.
Where is Vicens House located?
The building is located in Barcelona (Spain), along the street Carrer de les Carolines, building 24. GPS coordinates: 41.40353435822368, 2.15064702698362.
Tourists reviews
In 2005, the house was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, not a single tourist passes by - he will definitely stop to appreciate the smallest details in the exterior and enjoy the masterpiece produced by the young Catalan architect. Each person in the recall tries to describe in his own words what impression he received by looking at the house of Vicenza (Gaudi). Some people advise dedicating an entire day to get around Antonio’s work in Barcelona. During such a small trip around the capital, it becomes possible to appreciate not only the architectural structures, but also how the Gaudi’s style has changed - its own, one and only. It is impossible not to know what the master brought into the world, and you can be sure that what is created by the mind and imagination of Gaudi will immediately catch your eye.
Tourists also emphasize that this project of the architect is very different from everyone else. But the bright facade in any case attracts attention, and this combines the Vicenza house with other objects. The only negative is the inability to go inside and inspect the interior of the summer residence.
Some reviews highlight such an interesting fact (but it is absolutely not confirmed by anything): since Gaudi’s first serious customer was the owner of a ceramic tile factory, in his subsequent works the architect often preferred this material.
Other famous works by Gaudi
Antonio Gaudi is a master with a capital letter, and his projects really deserve special attention. To appreciate the work of the architect, you don’t need to go anywhere else - basically all the facilities are located in Barcelona. So, after visiting the Vicens Guesthouse, you can go to the next creations. These include the following:
- One of the most important buildings and the most famous work of the master is La Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia ).
- Park Guell is a real fairy tale. The project is dominated by a fresco, from which fountains, sculptures and much more are created. If you look at the photo, the park will seem a bit futuristic. There are also Guell wine cellars, pavilions of Guell Manor and Guell Palace.
- Casa Batlló (or Bones) - in this project, one can see most clearly the almost complete absence of straight lines, only wave-like outlines.
- Mila's House is not only beautiful architecture, but also innovative ideas. For example, a natural ventilation system and the ability to move interior partitions.
So, once in Barcelona, the first thing you should go to inspect the creations of the great architect.