The influential architects from Barcelona you should know about
In 2016, Mastercard launched the Global Destination Cities Index, which listed the 132 most visited cities in the world, based on the number of visitors. Forbes compiled the top 20, and Barcelona ranked twelfth with 8.20 million international visitors stepping into the Catalan city each year. And it's no wonder, given that the Barcelona locality boasts architectural monuments that are mind-blowing. But do you know the creators who made it possible for you to take those selfies in front of Casa Batlló or on the Barceloneta beach with the W Barcelona Hotel in the background? Let's get to know them!
Modernist architects from Barcelona
This architect from Barcelona is notable for his works and influence on the Catalan modernist style. Although what some may not know is that he also dedicated part of his life to politics. Among his most outstanding works are the Hospital de Sant Pau, the Palau de la Música Catalana, Casa Lleó Morera or the Hotel España. Domènech i Montaner is also known for being the architecture professor of Gaudí and Puig i Cadafalch.
The foremost representative of Modernism. Antoni Gaudí is an architect known for buildings such as the Casa Milà, also known as “La Pedrera”, the Park Güell, the Casa Batlló, or The Sagrada Familia. The latter is his most visited work and the only one that is still not finished. Gaudí was only able to see one of the building's towers completed, as he died on June 10, 1926, three days after being run over by a tram.
Modernist architect, art historian, and Catalan politician, belonging to the “Renaixença” group. Josep Puig i Cadafalch is characterized by his taste for the medieval, hence his works contain historicist elements that make his buildings innovative and original. Examples of this are: “The House of Spikes”, also known as “Casa Terrades”. Other notable works include Casa Amatller, the Four Columns with Ionic capitals, in Montjuïc, or the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya.
The owners of the most contemporary architecture in Barcelona
Enric Miralles i Moya was an architect and university professor. In 1991 he received the FAD Award for the construction of the new Igualada Cemetery. In his professional career, he has received many awards such as the National Architecture Prize given by the Ministry of Culture or the National Prize for Cultural Heritage awarded by the Generalitat of Catalonia. Among his most well-known works are the Rehabilitation of the Santa Caterina market, the Gas Natural Building or the Diagonal Mar Park.
Catalan architect and urban planner, Ricard Bofill represents the postmodern style of contemporary architecture. In his designs, he maintains the clear lines of the modern style, although he moves away from the cold shapes by incorporating classic elements such as columns or arches into his creations. The unique W Barcelona Hotel, the National Theatre of Catalonia, or the design of the Barcelona Airport are present in his professional career.
This Catalan architect and designer has been awarded several times for the renovations of very valuable buildings in the Catalan geography such as the Palau de la Música Catalana or the MACBA. He has also been involved in the construction of the Casa Fullà, the “Illa de la Llum” or the residences of the Barcelona Olympic Village.
Former student of the Barcelona School of Architecture, he transferred his vocation to the same center and to the Elisava School of Design. Alfred owns the firm Alfredo Arribas Associates where he dedicates himself to architecture and interior design. He has been president of ARQ-INFAD and of the Promotion of Arts and Design, as well as being awarded, for example, on several occasions at the FAD Awards. Among his works stand out the Velvet Bar in Barcelona, Illa Llull 163 and the rehabilitation of La Rotonda.
Nacido en Barcelona, él, junto sus compañeros han sido noticia en los últimos días, ya que su estudio de arquitectura “RCR Arquitectes” ha sido galardonado con el premio Pritzker, reconocimiento mundialmente. Ramón ha ganado varios concursos como el de la ampliación de la Estación de Sants y ha dirigido la construcción de la “Biblioteca Sant Antoni-Joan Oliver” en Barcelona. Ha participado proyectos internacionales como la exposición Bienal de Venecia en 2004.
He is the founder and director of the BAAS architectural studio and runs an interesting architecture blog for the curious. This young architect participated in the competition for the remodeling of the Barcelona Football Club Stadium, being among the finalists, and has led projects such as the rehabilitation of the Alta Diagonal Building, the gardens of the Can Framis Museum or the remodeling of the Valle Hebrón municipal market.
And that concludes our selection of unique architects from Barcelona, from the last century to the present. Thanks to them, we have works that leave many speechless.
