Gaudí, Antonio

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Spanish architect. Known for his flamboyant art nouveau style, his work also shows the influence of cubism and surrealism. Gaudí worked mainly in Barcelona, designing both domestic and industrial buildings. He introduced colour, unusual materials, and audacious technical innovations. His Church of the Holy Family, Barcelona (begun 1883 and still under construction) is a spectacular edifice of rough stone, mosaic, and undulating line.

Known primarily for his monumental and original approach, Gaudí placed tremendous importance on nature, expressing in his buildings a respect for the nature of the materials and an emphasis on mirroring the randomness of the natural world. His design for Casa Milá, a blocks of flats in Barcelona (begun 1905), is wildly imaginative, with an undulating facade, vertically thrusting wrought-iron balconies, and a series of sculpted shapes that protrude from the roof. The central feature of his Parque Güell (1900–14) in Barcelona is a snakelike seat faced with a mosaic of broken tiles and cutlery.

Red represents progress and love. White symbolizes justice and freedom. Green stands for hope and fertility. Effective date: 25 November 1975. >>