Analysing Material, form, and Aesthetics in the Façade of Casa Batllo

Abstract

Today as the trend of modernism continues, we can see a lot of naiveness in architecture. All the way people have been perpetuating towards the adoption of modern architectural trends. Here in this article, we are studying the oversight and importance of designing the building facades. The Building facade defines the feel of the overall building. The Building façade has a special role to play in light transmittance, acoustic performance and energy efficiency. The blending of the surrounding can all be assembled in the façade itself. The Building’s Façade is the link created between interior and exterior spaces which define Scale, Rhythm, Balance, Transition, Form etc. Antoni Gaudi, a Catalan architect is characterized by his depiction of fluid form, textures, animating the surfaces, juxtapositions of geometric shapes, broken tile work (called as trencadís) etc., which is greatly influenced by Catalan Modernism (Known as Art Noveau). The undulating form of façade of casa Batllo was made by chopping the existing wall and plastering it with lime mortar to form the effect of waves that would later be covered with crushed glass, “trencadís” in Catalan, and multi-colored ceramics. Antoni Gaudi took freedom with façade by transforming, a usual building into a work of art by his craftsmanship.