Antoni Gaudí designed La Pedrera “The Quarry,” completed in 1912. He designed it for Roser Segimon and Pere Milà, who made their wealth from attrocities in the America’s and were famous for their love of money.
Typical for Gaudi, the Art Nouveau building appears to be naturally formed out of stone. Hard and permanent stone and iron contradict their flowing shape. Josep Maria Jujol designed the decorative wrought-iron balconies. The iron front gate follows a similar spider web design. The clash of human program and natural forms creates an interesting dynamic as naturally built materials attempt to subordinate to modern technology. The chimneys display this effort the best with dreamy forms and broken bottles attached. Sweeping stairways and balconies render the roof a labyrinth of wandering and discovery. It was one of the most innovative houses of all architecture.
Many spiritual Catholic symbols are found throughout the building, perhaps in an effort by Gaudi to make up for the worldly ways of the owners. Moral contradiction and disdain can be seen. Gaudi planned on a statuary to the Virgin Mary and almost abandoned the entire project when the client objected. Casa Mila went on to influence the appearance of many buildings including Hundertwasserhaus, Einstein Tower and Guggenheim New York.
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