Question

do a comparative essay between Casa Mila and Casa Batllo of the architect Antoni Gaudi. In this essay you are to look at the similarities and differences of design principles applied. You are to identify at least four principles and to justify the application of theory by the architect through the two buildings.

Answer 1

Antoni Gaudi,a Spanish Catalan architect, nicknamed 'God's Architect' is best known for his organic and free flowing architecture.Gaudi's Casa Mila appears more organic than artificial as if it were carved straight from the ground.Also known as La Pedera which means to 'open quarry'. It consists of two oviid structures that encircle a pair of courtyards, much like the rock is excavated and stripped off the sides of quarry and the undulating curves of the building resemble the irregular surface bands that are left on the face of quarries after stone is removed. On the rooftop,there are six skylights/staircase exits twenty eight chimneys in several grupings, two half hidden vents whose function is to renew the air in the building. Also the roof is punctuated by group of chimney pot shapes like knight's helmet and spiral turrets.Gaudi used natural stone for the building.He built 33 balconies with wrought iron bars which contrast with natural stone of the facade. The weight of the stone doesn't crush the building since there are no load bearing walls ,it is only maintained with stone pillars forming a framework.This allows for the large windows on the facade and which has two advantages: to facilitate the entry of light into the houses and allow free distribution of space. The attic represents the ribs of dragon ,which is why each arch differs in height and explains irregular levels and the steps on the roof. Functionality wise this floor serves as thermal regulator, protecting lower floors from changing temperature of outside elements. In terms of design,white colour creates a sense of cleanliness.

Casa Batllo is unusual a differs in height and explainsmong Gaudi's work as it comprises a renovation of existing structure in 1905 originally built in 1877.It was a pioneering work in creative architecture. It is both functional and aesthetic.The common theory about Casa Batllo is that it pays tribute to the legend of catalonian patron saint,Saint George and his battle with the dragon. The ultimate redesign has often been termed the 'House of Bones' due to the cage like framework over the second floor windows whose vertical members resemble the shape of human bones with slender curves.The light fixture above the dining room table is set into a blue ceiling whose spiral contours appears like water circling the drain.The facade surface is covered in intricate trencadis tiles mixed with glass giving it shimmering effect among the various sculptural balconies.The curved roof resembles the back of a dragon. The smaller tower of the roof represents the spear of the knight with which he defeated the dragon. All doors are ventilated like gills of fish. It is called house of yawn because of the large windows. The windows have different sizes which enable the entry of light and makes the building naturally ventilated. It is an amazing architectural solution that demonstrates Gaudi's ability to combine engineering and aesthetic ideas together.

Casa Mila and Casa Batllo are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.As for the interior,the Casa Mila looks more like usual apartment with modernist design and Casa Batllo has more of a museum than a dwelling style.