From the towering Sagrada Famlia to the shimmering, textured facade of Casa Batll and the enchanting landscape of Park Gell, its easy to see whyAntoni Gaud (18521926)gained the epithet Gods architect. With fluid forms and mathematical precision, his work extols the wonder of natural creation: columns soar like tree trunks, window frames curve like flowering branches, and ceramic tiling shimmers like scaly, reptilian skin.

With this outstanding attention to natural detail, his inspirations from both neo-Gothic and Orientalist aesthetics, and a lifelong commitment to Catalan identity, Gaud created aunique brand of the Modernista movementwhich transformed, and defines, Barcelonas cityscape.

With seven of Gauds projects listed asUNESCO World Heritage Sites, this book introduces the architects extraordinary vision and unique legacy, exploring the influences and the details which allow his buildings to impress, inspire, and amaze, one century after their construction.

About the Series:
Each book in TASCHENs Basic Architecture Series features:

• an introduction to the life and work of the architect
• the major works in chronological order
• information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions
• a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings
• approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts and plans)