Current Architecture of Spain

The current architecture of Spain generally includes Baroque architecture, Neoclassical architecture, Modernism as well as the Belle Epoque architecture. The Baroque architecture spans between the 17th century and mid-18th century. The word Baroque is derived from pearls of the same name that are asymmetrical or crooked. The Baroque architecture is an amalgam of strong contrasts between light and dark shadows that completes the manifestation of illustrations and sculptures. These were incorporated in Baroque architecture. This architecture combined with paintings and sculptures showed ecstasies, miracles, and appealed to the emotions of viewers.

Lights    and   shadows   from    hidden   sources   were   used    to   enhance   this    effect. 

Some prominent examples of Baroque architecture include:

• The Royal Palace of Madrid designed by Giovanni Battista Sacchetti and Filippo Juvarra.
• La Granja Royal Palace designed by Andrea Procaccini, and Sempronio Subisati.
• Valladolid University founded by Diego Tomé.
• The Church of La Encarnacion designed by Fray Alberto de la Madre de Dio.

Next, we have is Neoclassical Architecture that remained at its peak between the 1750s to the mid19th century. It involved the revival of classic Roman and Greek architecture and was associated with love and romanticism. It was essentially contrary to Baroque architecture because it had symmetrical shapes, perfect line bases, and avoided any crookedness and irregularities in shapes.

The introduction of Neoclassical architecture represented sophistication and advancement of Spain. The two architects who are considered to be the pioneers of the Neoclassical architectural era are Ventura Rodriguez and Juan de Villanueva.

Ventura Rodriguez is considered to be the primary designer of about 50 buildings (Buendia Munoz, n.d.). His most prominent works include: 

• Redesign of El Pilar basilica in Saragossa in 1753.
• The building of a church for the Agustinos Filipinos of Valladolid Convent in 1760.
• Modeling the exterior front of Pamplona cathedral in the year 1783.

Juan de Villanueva is considered to be a major pioneer of Neoclassical architecture. He was given the title of “The Architect of Madrid” (Buendia Munoz, n.d.). His eminent works include:

• Construction of the Casita del Principe of El Pardo in 1784.
• Construction of Academy of Sciences in 1785.
• Designing the Madrid Astronomical Observatory in 1808.
• Modeling the most beautiful building of Neoclassical Architecture: The Casa del Labrador.

Furthermore, one of the most prominent forms of current architecture is Modernism. This type of architecture is characterized by a curvilinear flow. There was neither asymmetry nor a straight line art but rather a single flow of artistic motion-defined this type of art. More focus was put into exteriors of buildings and these were heavily decorated with gardens, flowers, and sculptures. The Modernism era spans between the 1870s and the end of World War 1. Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech I Montaner is the two well-renowned architects of this era.

Antoni Gaudi was considered to be a mastermind and one of the pioneers of Modernism architecture. He researched about curves and how to construct objects using them. He studied the stress-strain relationship and how it affects the construction of buildings. His most famous masterpieces include the following buildings: 

1. Expiatory Church of La Sagrada Familia:

This project was decided to be given to Antoni in 1883 and he continued to expand his research on this project until his death in 1926. This church contains twelve towers of about 100 to 115m height (Litvak, 1991). The ground design is such that it resembles the shape of a Latin cross. There are two huge domes on top of this building and it also includes a temple crypt.

2. Park Guell:

Gaudi designed this park, and it was built between 1900 and 1914. It also includes a house owned by Gaudi and was later named as Casa-Museu Gaudi. The park was named after a well-known industrialist, Count Eusebi Guell, in Barcelona.

3. La Pedrera:

La Pedrera is also known as Casa Mila named after Mila Family. Antoni Gaudi built it between 1906 and 1912. The whole exterior was curved and beautifully uneven. It resembled a stone quarry and hence was named La Pedrera (the stone quarry). As Gaudi had already studied about stresses in structures, he did his best to build a castle that can stand its ground. This building is considered to be the peak of the era of Modernism architecture.

4. Casa Batllo:

This castle is also considered to be another masterpiece of Gaudi. It was constructed in 1877 and has been frequently remodeled and refurbished since then. This building is characterized by its undulating exterior, larger windows, and the roof that resembles a dragon’s spinal (Litvak, 1991).

5. Casa Mila:

It is mostly known as Stone Quarry. It was the last residence of Antoni Guadi for his private use & it was built between 1906 – 1912. It was actually built for Roser Segimon and her husband Mila. 1n 1940 Mila died than segimon sold the property for 18 million pesetas in 1946. It actually consists of two buildings.

6. Church of Colonia Guell:

It is the unfinished work of Gaudi. It was actually a worship place for the people in Santa Coloma de Carvello. The church is also one from the list of seven best properties Gaudi built near the Barcelona & all these are under Unesco World Heritage Sites.

The chapel in the church remained unfinished.  The shape of the worship area was planned in extensive detail. In 2000, local architects set about repairing the crypt.