Antoni Plàcid Guillem Gaudí i Cornet was born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, Spain to coppersmith parents. He studied at the Escola Superior d’Arquitectura in Barcelona and designed his first major commission for the Gothic-styled Casa Vincens in Barcelona.
Most of Gaudi’s work was in architecture though he also designed furniture and objects, and worked in town planning and landscaping. Throughout his life, Gaudi studied the angles and curves of nature and incorporated them into his designs. Gaudi’s style was beautifully expressive and his signature warped form of Gothic design, established him as a leader in the Spanish Art Nouveau movement and drew admiration from avant-garde artists.
Gaudi’s major works include La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Casa Vicens, Park Guell, Palau Guell, and Casa Mila – aka ‘La Pedrera’. Gaudí spent most of his professional career building the Church of La Sagrada Família. He received the commission in late 1883 and it occupied his whole life. The massive Cathedral is still under construction with an estimated completion date of 2026.
On June 7, 1926, Gaudi was hit by a tram and died of his injuries three days later. His body was buried in the crypt of the edifice where he had worked for the last 43 years of his life, La Sagrada Familia.
For a detailed biography and to view more of Gaudi’s work, visit GaudiClub.com or click on the source links below.
