Hidden Gems of Gaudí Unveiled: A Bold New Art Space Emerges from Casa Batlló!
Imagine stepping into a space where the genius of Antoni Gaudí whispers through modern artistry. Local design studio Mesura has achieved just that, breathing new life into a previously unseen section of Gaudí's iconic Casa Batlló in Barcelona. They've transformed an entire floor, once private apartments and a workshop, into a stunning contemporary art gallery, aptly named Casa Batlló Contemporary. This marks the first time this particular floor has been opened to the public, offering a fresh perspective on the architectural marvel.
But here's where it gets truly fascinating: Mesura didn't just renovate; they engaged in a profound 'dialogue with Gaudí.' Their mission was to create a space that felt both contemporary and deeply connected to Gaudí's spirit, without merely imitating him. "It was an honour that they thought of a Catalan architect from Barcelona, and they thought that we were the best partners; we feel really thankful for that," shared Mesura co-founder Carlos Dimas. For any Catalan architect, working on a Gaudí project is a dream come true.
The journey wasn't without its hurdles. Firstly, how do you convert a former residence into a functional art exhibition space? Secondly, and perhaps more intellectually stimulating, how do you respectfully converse with the architectural language of a master like Gaudí? Dimas elaborated, "as an architect, that is quite complex." Adding another layer of challenge, the client envisioned hosting digital art performances for half the year, necessitating the integration of extensive mechanical, engineering, and plumbing (MEP) services. The final, and perhaps most exciting, demand was for a space with "attitude, something bold with character that was really bringing something new to Casa Batlló."
And this is the part most people miss: to imbue the space with character while maintaining its 'white box' functionality for art, Mesura focused on the floors and ceiling. While much of the 230-square-metre area received a subtle restoration, one room boasts a truly show-stopping ceiling installation. Crafted from undulating stainless steel, this piece not only conceals essential technical elements but also pays homage to Gaudí's signature organic forms and pioneering construction methods. Dimas explained, "We wanted to bring a little bit of this natural morphology that Gaudí used."
But the innovation doesn't stop there! The ceiling utilizes an incremental forming technology, a robotic process typically found in the automotive industry for rapid prototyping. Mesura pushed its boundaries, experimenting with the material until it reached its near-breaking point to achieve its mesmerizing wavy texture. This design choice brilliantly echoes the dragon-like facade of Casa Batlló and evokes the imagery of ripples on the sea, a motif deeply embedded in Gaudí's work.
Gaudí's profound connection to nature is legendary. He saw a mystical quality in the natural world, much like the deep-sea creature his Casa Batlló facade seems to embody. Mesura sought to capture this essence by referencing the Mediterranean Sea, a constant presence in Gaudí's life and career, visualizing "the sea breaking under a drop of water."
Even the flooring, set to be a calming pale green, draws inspiration from the building's exterior. "We bring a colour that maybe hasn't been noticed that much – the green colour that you find on the facade," Dimas noted. This thoughtful colour choice, along with a pattern incorporating reused ceramic and terracotta salvaged from the original apartments, adds a unique character and a sustainable touch.
Dimas is confident that Gaudí himself would have admired this project. "Gaudí has always been a researcher and an innovator; he tried to get the latest technology and the latest material," he stated. The spirit of experimentation, pushing materials to their limits to discover new forms, is precisely what inspired Mesura's "Gaudían attitude."
The inaugural exhibition in this new space is 'Beyond the Facade' by the renowned United Visual Artists. This project continues Casa Batlló's tradition of artistic collaborations, following their partnership with Kengo Kuma for a new staircase design.
As we celebrate 100 years since Gaudí's passing, his legacy continues to inspire and awe. His architectural wonders, like the recently recognized Sagrada Familia as the world's tallest church, remain testaments to his unparalleled vision.
What do you think? Does Mesura's contemporary interpretation truly capture the spirit of Gaudí, or does it stray too far from the original masterpiece? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
