Next stop Barcelona
In the shop front window of my neighbourhood travel agency, a sign reads, “Travel is one thing that you buy, that makes you richer”. Reflecting upon my tour through European cities at their best, I agree. Please join me: next stop, Barcelona.
Time does not stand still
Exploring the cobbled streets of Barcelona, it’s difficult not to be gobsmacked by turn-of-the-20th century Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí’s building masterpieces. Saying his buildings, renowned for undulating and vibrantly coloured facades; expansive stained glass and oddly shaped windows; and exotic materials and craftsmanship, are unique is an understatement. One of the most prominent inner-city buildings and examples of Gaudí‘s genius is Casa Batlló, a private residence constructed in the early-1900s and now a public museum. As a keen enthusiast of art and decoration, touring the Casa Batlló topped my Barcelona to-do list.
Early bird
Gaudí was a pioneer in many areas including environmental sustainability. An obvious example of this are the recycled broken tiles that clad the building facades. Casa Batlló windows are fitted with translucent glass purposed to control sunlight and in some instances, for privacy. Wooden framed windows were inventively opened and closed by the raising and lowering of counter weights. Using materials that were the newest and latest of the day - iron, concrete, glass and ceramic tiles, Gaudí was a design visionary and trailblazer. Coupled with the advent of electricity and indoor plumbing, his buildings were cutting edge. With electricity, motorised elevators were invented, and gave way to the concept of high-rise apartment living.
Attention to detail
Every detail was considered down to the minute. Gaudí designed a custom font for the entry doors; curved furniture that conformed to the contour of the interior walls. The interior and exterior spaces were connected and equally considered with an adjoining courtyard adorned with sculptures and artwork incorporated into the design. Engineered to give consistent lighting to each level of the building, the windows of the centre light well were increasingly smaller from the ground level to the top level; and conversely the wall tiles were darker coloured at the top level rooms and decreasingly intense on the levels below. How clever!
Lighting the way
The investment made in Gaudí’s leading edge design still delivers returns today with Casa Batlló interiors inspiring many home renovators and design enthusiasts around the world.
When researching new products for your home – whether as a professional practitioner or if working on a do-it-yourself project, give consideration to innovative companies that invest in research and development bringing to market products that incorporate the newest and latest. Case in point: Luxaflex Qmotion Roller Blinds, which are battery operated to raise and lower the blinds with programmable settings. Four years ago, this technology was unavailable for residential window roller blinds – the alternative was electrical wiring for motorisation, which often proves an expensive proposition; particularly when renovating.
Taking new technology one step further, Luxaflex Qmotion Technology Roller Blinds with Q Sync has an app available that allows the roller blinds to be operated with a simple touch of a screen – on either IPad, iPhone or Android device. From an aesthetic and safety perspective, this is a great alternative to a chain cord roller blind.
Think like Gaudí
When designing your home, borrow a page or two from the design philosophy of Antonio Gaudí
1. Be an innovator – search for products, materials and finishes that incorporate new technology
2. Consider light control and ventilation – both are conducive to healthy living
3. Custom design furniture to suit the space – don’t use a piece of furniture just because you have it
4. Don’t settle for status quo – be inventive and lead the pack
5. Don’t be afraid to use colour – it worked for Gaudí, in his timeless design
