Ever gazed upon a building and wondered if it was sculpted by nature itself? That’s Casa Milà also known as La Pedrera. It is a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí.
Casa Milà stands as a testament to architectural innovation. Its nickname La Pedrera meaning “the stone quarry” hints at its unconventional design. Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon commissioned Gaudí to design their residence in 1906. They wanted the main floor for themselves. The rest of the apartments would be rented out.
The building’s construction faced considerable scrutiny. Gaudí constantly modified his plans shaping the building’s appearance as work progressed. He exceeded the budget and challenged the city council’s building codes. The built volume was illegal and the attic and rooftop surpassed permitted maximums. One of the facade pillars occupied part of the pavement.
Gaudí even had instructions for the builder. If the inspector returned and the column had to be cut Gaudí wanted a plaque. It would state “the section of column that is missing was cut at the order of the City Council”. Eventually the Eixample Commission declared the building a monument. It did not need to conform strictly to municipal bylaws. The Milàs still had to pay a fine to legalize the building.
Casa Milà did not respect conventional styles. Gaudí received much criticism for this. The unique structure and Gaudí’s relationship with Pere Milà became objects of ridicule. Many humorous publications mocked them.
Inside Casa Milà prepare to be amazed by the self-supporting stone facade. It connects to the internal structure with curved iron beams. This allows large openings bringing light to the homes. Internal walls can be moved without affecting the building’s stability.
The roof of Casa Milà is another marvel. It is crowned with skylights staircase exits and chimneys. These elements are sculptures integrated into the building. The stepped roof is called “the garden of warriors”. The chimneys appear to be protecting the skylights.
Gaudí designed furniture specifically for the main floor. Roser Segimon however did not like Gaudí’s decor. After his death she changed the decorations to a more conventional style. This resulted in the loss of much of Gaudí’s decorative legacy.
Today Casa Milà is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as a major cultural center in Barcelona. It is renowned for its activities and museum spaces. La Pedrera continues to inspire awe. It also broadens our knowledge of this iconic building.
As you explore Casa Milà imagine the bustling Barcelona of the early 20th century. Picture the controversies and admire Gaudí’s genius. Casa Milà is more than just a building. It is a symbol of innovation and artistic vision. It represents Barcelona’s vibrant spirit.