Casa Batllo Flashcards
Function of Casa Batllo
There is huge functional skylight within Casa Batllo. The vast central skylight is composed of huge pieces of iron and glass panes, and it spans the large building, which was widened by Gaudí. It is this huge skylight that allows a cascade of light to enter and illuminate the whole building well.
Gaudi was a unique architect as he designed both the exterior and interior of Casa Batllo. All of his biomimicry ideas are very functional. Inside, the shapes of small design details such as the door handles and banisters are all ergonomically designed. These are carved from smooth wood to increase their functional quality.
Fitness for purpose of Casa Batllo
The roof has 27 chimneys resembling mushrooms. These are also entirely fit for purpose as the unusual shape used in the design, stops smoke blowing back into the chimney and the house. Barcelona is costal and often experiences strong winds.
The design of Casa Batllo is fit for purpose as the house has seven floors. This allowed the family to occupy the larger more elaborate lower floors whilst providing plenty of space for their large staff toward the top of the house. The status of the family meant they would have had a lot of people working for them.
Materials/Techniques of Casa Batllo
Gaudi was a trailblazer in using recycling and architectural techniques. He used the technique Trencadís on the facade of Casa Batllo. This can be seen in the decorative use of broken pieces of tiles embedded in the stone work.
Gaudi used the technique of creating a maquete model to visually communicate his vision the the different craftsman who worked on Casa Batllo. This effectively enabled him to share his ideas, before other means such as digital design were available.
Target Market/Audience of Casa Batllo
Gaudí gave Casa Batlló a facade that is original and full of imagination. He replaced the original facade with a new composition of stone and glass. This was specifically done under the patronage of Mr Batllo, therefore the target market for this design was the Batllo family.
Barcelona had a large and growing number of wealthy upper class people. A booming industry and growing wealth in Barcelona meant that the upper class felt financially strong in a politically stable environment. These were the ideal conditions for a new national pride. Many aspect of this design refer to Catalan culture such as their Patron Saint. Therefore the target market for the design was also other proud Catalans.
Visual Impact of Casa Batllo
The nickname for the building, is House of Bones. Its balconies hint at sun-bleached rib cages or the jaws of great sharks. This unusual style and approach has strong visual impact.
As passers by would see the facade of the building,Gaudi created huge visual impact by using different materials, organic shapes/lines, and especially made bespoke tiles and windows that glint in the strong sunlight to amaze passer by.
Style of Casa Batllo
The house is an example of Biomimicry style. This means inspired by nature. This can be seen in The skeletal stonework of lower floors features columns shaped like human femurs.
The style of the house is avant garde, meaning innovative or exploring new forms or subject matter. This can be seen in the unique decorative roof which is arched like the back of a dragon or dinosaur. A common theory about the building is that this represents the lance of Saint George (patron saint of Catalonia, Gaudí’s home), which has been plunged into the back of the dragon.
The style of the house is Art Nouveau. This decorative style is often inspired by nature. This can be seen in the soft flowing lines of sculpted stone work on the facade and the uses of coloured tiles which could be likened to foliage growing on the facade.
Social and Cultural Influences of Casa Batllo
Religion was one of the most important influences in Gaudi’s work. Religion was a huge part of Gaudi’s life and he was known as God’s architect. There is an altar within the main living room of the house as requested by Mr Batllo.
Great pride in the Catalan culture influenced Gaudi, as Gaudi was a proud Catalonian. Catalonia has its own language, laws and customs. The dragon shaped roof references the story of George and the Dragon. St George is the Patron Saint of Catalonia.
Gaudí was inspired be the city of Barcelona. Barcelona it coastal. Gaudi drew inspiration for the facade of the house from sea shapes and waves and this can be seen in the sculpted flowing lines. Dali called the house the ‘house of sea shapes’
The changing city inspired Gaudi as wealthy families of Barcelona were seeking out new homes away from the old quarter. When making Casa Batllo, Mr Batllo employed Gaudi to revive the existing house and wished to be a stand out building like no other.
Barcelona is on the sea. Gaudi drew inspiration for the facade of the Casa Batllo from sea shapes and waves and this can be seen in the sculpted flowing lines.
