Drawing inspiration from nature is a cornerstone in all of Antoni Gaudi’s work. However the playful interaction of organic shapes, as well as the avoidance of straight or symmetrical elements are nowhere as omnipresent as in his Casa Battló.

Built between 1904 and 1906, this modernist building sits on Passeig de Gracia at the very center of Barcelona, and is one of the most visited sites of the city.

Within its endless curves Gaudi uses Casa Batlló to tell an architectonic fairy tale, evoking thoughts of the sea, giant beasts, skeletons, skulls, and glitzening gems hidden throughout.

Walking through Casa Batlló one feels as though swallowed whole by a magical beast, one was free to explore its insides, and make their way through the remnants of its past adventures.

The outer facade exhibits textures akin to reptilian scales and psychadelic plants, shining the night as the only building which remains fully lit.

Inside we see stair cases which spiral like a whale’s spinal chord, swirling lights which appear to melt into the ceiling, and textured walls which wave and ripple as if shaped by a body which was frozen mid-breath.

Huge thanks to Casa Batlló for the access and their very kind assistance throughout.