It has been suggested that Antoni Gaudi’s early exposure to nature helped to form two of his greatest skills: observation and analysis of nature. Gaudí studied nature’s angles and curves and incorporated them into his designs. “Antoni Gaudí pioneered an architecture based on nature’s geometric forms. Structural and ornamental, they reflect his native region, and ingenuity.”[1] Gaudí observed the many functionally perfect structures present in nature and applied them to his designs. For instance, instead of relying on the typical geometric shapes, he mimicked the way trees and humans grow and stand upright. Perhaps, the most important nature inspired design Antoni Gaudí created is the Catenary system. He found a rope hanging from two points formed a hyperbolic paraboloid, or parabolic arch. Gaudí’s clear understanding of the gravity and tensions involved with the parabolic arch, led him to develop this method perfect for building stone architecture however he pleased. This form is very common in the natural world and ultimately helped Antoni Gaudí stray away from historicism and develop a new relationship with the natural world as a source of inspiration.[2]
At Casa Battlo, Gaudí showcases his comprehension of the human body and its natural function. The entire façade looks as if it is covered with bones, skulls, shoulder blades, hipbones, shinbones and fibulas. The bones also suggest the common Catalan theme, St. George slaying the dragon. Casa Mila, is fantastic in incorporating nature. The entire façade flows like water; wavy but not once breaking continuity. Casa Mila’s attic is a stunning example of Antoni Gaudí’s use of parabolic arches. And the roof, which is emblazoned with intricate statues that remind one of nature, takes the shape of the attic it rests on. Walking up and down the steps that follow the parabolic arches makes one feel like they are on top of a hilly mountain.
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