Conservation Works of Casa Batlló, Barcelona (Spain)
Conservation Works of Casa Batlló, Barcelona (Spain) (Europa Nostra Award 2004).
The 2004 jury felt this was a project deserving of the award, given the glorious revival of a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí and the additional special innovations which enabled the visually impaired to enjoy their visit. According to the Casa Batlló Foundation in an overview of the building’s history, Antoni Gaudí had been allowed full creative freedom by Josep Batlló, putting him in charge of a project that initially entailed demolishing the building. However, thanks to the initiative shown by Gaudí, the demolition of the house was ruled out, and it was fully reformed between 1904 and 1906. The architect completely changed the façade, redistributing the internal partitioning, expanding the interior courtyard and transforming the inside into a true work of art. Apart from its artistic value, the building is also extremely functional, more in keeping with modern times than with the past. In fact, some elements have been seen as heralding the architectural trends of the late 20th century. The restoration and maintenance of one of Antoni Gaudi’s most emblematic private houses has since become a major attraction in the city of Barcelona. The house is now used for events and for cultural visits. Restoration work included the consolidation of the foundations, structural reinforcements, extensive restoration of the ceramic and glass trencadís on the stunning façade and the lightwell, treatment of woodwork and rehabilitation of the tiled main floor courtyard. Special innovations were introduced so that the visually impaired could enjoy this very tactile building.
Brief analysis of the case:
The housing complex, which is still partly inhabited, has been restored with the aim of revealing a masterpiece by the architect Antoni Gaudí. To this end, the significant elements of the building have been cleaned, restored and partly reconstructed, recovering their original state: this is the case of the ceramic and trencadís cladding, as well as the interior spaces that can be visited by the public. All this is accompanied by an important work of musealisation and interpretation of the complex, as well as multiple dissemination actions with audiovisuals, 3D reconstructions, cultural and educational activities, and the publication of guides and brochures for all audiences. The restoration, very respectful of the work of the Catalan architect, has used traditional and new materials to consolidate the factories and to guarantee public accessibility to all the areas that can be visited.