The first major project of Antoni Gaudí: Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is a modernist building situated in the Gràcia neighbourhood of Barcelona. It is the work of architect Antoni Gaudí and is considered to be his first major project. Built between 1883 and 1885, based on initial plans drawn up between 1878 and 1880, the house showcases Gaudí’s unique interpretation of the orientalist style. While the work belongs to this period, it also shows signs of what would become his signature style, utilizing a uniqueness only he knew how to add to his projects.

Originally, the property included a large garden area, but the land was subdivided and sold for residential buildings over time. Today, the property is reduced to the house and a small surrounding area. To take advantage of the space, Gaudí designed three facades, with the house attached by a dividing wall to an adjoining convent. In 1925, a commission for an extension was offered to Gaudí but he declined. Instead, he passed the commission to one of his protégés, Joan Baptista Serra, who built an extension following Gaudí’s original style.

The building features an abundance of ceramic tiling, Moorish arches, and columns of exposed brick, inspired by the art of the Near and Far East and Hispanic Islamic art. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1969, an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1993, and a World Heritage Site in 2005. During construction, Gaudí personally managed the project, supervising the build and ensuring the quality of the workmanship.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons