Bridging two worlds through architecture
One might be surprised to learn that GaudĂ's influence reached the shores of the United States, where his innovative designs and forward-thinking concepts found resonance among American architects and artists.
GaudĂ and American innovatorsâ
After more than half century of research, we present a new discovery, an unknown GaudĂ: A genius who, working in the heart of the innovative essence, inside the margins of the science of art, broke the boundaries of architecture to make an organic art to serve people. He is the only one with 8 works declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
GaudĂ becomes artist and manager, co-architect and the chief executive of an interdisciplinary team. He was a precursor of coworking, modern design, ecology, 3D and many other areas. GaudĂ is R&D, is Innovation, is Culture, is Business. A range of possibilities in the new economic world.
For the innovative working method which was rated by GaudĂ it was very important to look GaudĂ to America. Especially to another great genius, Thomas Alva Edison. GaudĂ incorporated the use of photography in his method of architectural work, used electricity in his works, built a precursor “sound” movie and even took fro his workshops as a model the Edisonâs Black Maria.
America looks at GaudĂ
And America looks at GaudĂ. GĂŒell, businessman and patron of GaudĂ, hosted at home âa palace by GaudĂ- the President of United States of America, Mr. S. Grover Cleveland; it was in Barcelona on the 1888 Universal Exhibition. In 1892 we find GaudĂ praised in the famous magazine The American Architect and Building News de Boston. GaudĂ drew a project for the Spanish Pavilion at the Universal Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 (Centennial International Exhibition). This project was carried out, but it was present at the Philadelphia the Mataronense Workers Cooperative for which GaudĂ had designed a logo with bees flying the factories. North American architects kept a close relationship with GaudĂ. America make him a commission in 1908: a skyscraper in New York.
GaudĂ inspired Simpsons and Disney. Phil Roman, producer of shows like The Simpsons or Garfield, was inspired by Antoni GaudĂ to create a new cartoon series; titled âHowdi GaudĂâ, was sold in 70 countries. The animation film from Disney âWreck-it Ralphâ is based on the architectonic world of GaudĂ, because âwe wanted to create a new worldâ according to artistic director Lorelay BovĂ©. GaudĂ is present in the most famous series (the Simpsons, Fringe) and movies. Thus we have seen Homer Simpson, Jack Nicholson or Scarlett Johansson walking the masterpieces of Gaudi.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Both architects championed organic architecture, emphasizing harmony between human habitation and the natural world. Wright’s designs, like GaudĂ’s, sought to create a seamless integration of structures with their environments.
FĂ©lix
Candela
Known for his hyperbolic paraboloid structures, Candela was influenced by GaudĂ’s use of similar geometric forms. GaudĂâs earlier work, such as the dome of Palau GĂŒell, incorporated hyperboloid structures, which later inspired Candelaâs designs.
Philip Johnson
An admirer of GaudĂâs curved shapes and rejection of right angles, Johnson aspired to bring similar organic forms to American architecture, reflecting his deep respect for GaudĂâs radical approach.
BenoĂźt Mandelbrot
The mathematician renowned for fractal geometry recognized GaudĂâs naturalistic designs as early examples of fractal architecture, highlighting the synergy between GaudĂâs work and modern scientific principles.
