Casa Batllo, A dreamlike escape into Gaudí's oceanic fantasy

Passeig de Gràcia, 43

The roofs of buildings can also have very beautiful designs

4.7

Introduction

The interior design style of the Batllo House continues Gaudi's consistent style, without straight lines and sharp angles, and is full of smooth and soft wavy curves everywhere. Every small detail, from the door to the door handle to the seat, fits the human body's lines, making people feel infinitely emotional. To reach the second-floor hall, you need to pass through the exquisite wooden staircase designed by Gaudi for the Batllo House, with handrails decorated with metal ribbons, topped with an orange glass globe. The design of the hall is also full of details, with swirl-like patterns on the smooth ceiling, and you can see Gracia Street through the large windows. The courtyard inside the building is inspired by the deep sea. Gaudi used 15,000 blue tiles of five different shades to create a pleasant light. The tiles with darker colors are closer to the top of the building, as if sinking slowly to the depths of the sea. Unlike other floors, the attic uses pure white tones and has a hanging arch structure, like a giant animal's chest and ribs, and also has the function of regulating the temperature of the entire building. Gaudi's design inspiration comes from the story of St. George slaying the dragon and rescuing the princess. The large floor-to-ceiling windows and outer pillars on the second floor are reminiscent of dragon teeth, the arrangement of the exterior roof is an imitation of the dragon's body and scales, and the cross tower on the roof imitates the holy sword inserted into the dragon's body. The spiral staircase leading to the roof is also inspired by nature, which Gaudi particularly loves. The surface of the chimney and ventilation duct on the top floor platform is made of broken porcelain collages, demonstrating Gaudi's unique artistic style.