Architecture- Antoni Gaudi

Antoni Gaudi

Antoni Gaudi is a spanish architect born in Barcelona in the early 1850s. Well known for such works as La Sagrada Familia (left image), his use of stones and unique materials have developed his own form of architecture.

Although much of his influences are from the gothic style art and medieval books, the list includes:

• Josh Ruskins"Ornament is the origin of architecture"
• William Morris
  
• Religion - the basis of Gaudí's inspiration, particularly in later years
• Catalan nationalism
• Gothicism
  
• Modernism
  
• Surrealism
• Oriental structures
• Art Nouvea and shapes taken from nature
• Organic architecture
• Color
• Geometry
• Eugène Viollet-le-Duc - medieval French architecture
  (http://architecture.about.com/od/architectsaz/p/gaudi.htm)
  

Gaudi's main influence was that of his own experience, however a signified Architect was Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. Eugene has designed many buildings and famous for his 'restorations' of medieval designs. One of his works includes the famous Notre-Dame de Paris. In his architecture, he informs the emerging spirit of modernism. Moreover, his gothic architecture (image on right, by Viollet le Duc) is what mainly influenced Gaudi, and so, became the revival for Viollet le Duc.

Due to his unique style, Gaudi stands as one of history's most original architects. As a result, it has been what has made him distinct from the rest. His influences appear most recently in the architect Godey, who designed the Space-time-Towers (based on La Sagrada Familia).