Antoni Gaudi
Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish architect who was known for his style that was influenced by his passion in life concerning nature, religion, and architecture. He considered everything to be creative and also experimented and introduced new techniques in the treatment of materials, one such material was trencadis, which used waste ceramic pieces. His work transcended mainstream modernism, reaches to peak of an organic style inspired by natural forms. He didn’t work on plans instead he created three-dimensional models to get a better idea of how the structure would work practically. His famous works were Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila.
Here are 15 firms inspired by the works of Antoni Gaudi:
1. SELGASCANO, MADRID
This is a Spanish architectural office based in Madrid which was founded in the year of 1998. They mainly focused on designing various auditoriums and congress centers in Spain. Their projects were inspired by nature, also focusing on ventilation and open facades. Some of their famous works are the serpentine pavilion in London and the congress center in Palencia.
2. JURGEN MAYER H., BERLIN
This firm strongly believed in modernism and technology. They also explored new materials; all the materials were in a relationship with the human body, technology, and nature which forms a new background for the production of space. They also believed in exploring with shapes so some of their structures are organic. Some of the important works are Metropol Parasol and S11 office building in Hamburg.
3. GRIMSHAW ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERING
An architectural firm based in London. They strongly believe in modernism and also blend in with nature. The founder of this firm was Sir Nicolas Grimshaw, who used organic shapes and also believed in promoting art and culture. They mainly focus on offices, bridges, resorts, museums, etc. They also believed in sustainability and promoting to make most of their buildings as sustainable as possible. Some of their famous projects are Eden Project, national space center.
4. RCR ARQUITECTES
The Pritzker prize-winning studio which encourages the employees to express through different patterns helps them explore with various materials which could also be based on the combination of 2 materials forming to be one. The projects are focused on having huge facades, open spaces, and ensure natural lighting connecting both the indoors and outdoors. They believe in using the latest technology. Some of their famous works are the Tossols-basil athletics track, Sant Antoni-Joan Oliver library, and Barberi Laboratory.
5. TOYO ITO AND ASSOCIATES
This firm is known for creating conceptual architecture that simultaneously expresses the physical and virtual worlds. This firm is also awarded the Pritzker Prize. The firm was drawn and inspired by nature, used unusual geometrical shapes in its designs which were unthinkable before. Some of its famous works are the National Taichung Theatre, tower of winds, and Sendai Mediatheque.
6. ARCHIGRAM
This firm was based on the neo-futuristic period. They drew inspiration from technology to create a new reality that was solely expressed through hypothetical projects. They also worked on blending technology with nature, having a unique way of designing and planning. Some of their projects were The Walking City, plug-in-city, and Instant city which remained ideas without execution.
7. EDWARD CULLINAN ARCHITECTS
They are architects and master planners who respond creatively to aspirations, who give in their best to get the best possible outcome. They result in beautiful, intelligent, and sustainable buildings. Spaces and places that are created to delight those using them and also benefit the entire society. They have received the royal gold medal. Some of their popular works are Bunhill 2 energy center, national automotive innovation center and institute of transformational technologies.
8. PHILLIP JOHNSON/ ALAN RITCHIE ARCHITECTS
They are recognized as one of the most innovative and creative firms which give importance to the modern movement, semi-role in postmodernism and deconstructivism. This helped them with exploring new ideas and features which could enhance a project. The firm was further taken over by Alan Ritchie and Marko Dasigenis. They are very much inspired by nature; they always focus on blending nature and technology. Some of their known projects are Glasshouse, Seagram building, and 550 Madison Avenue.
9. SANTIAGO CALATRAVA ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
This firm is based in Spain, which is particularly known for its bridges supported by single leaning pylons, railway stations, museums, and some of their famous sculptures which often relate to nature and its living organisms. Initially, this firm had several remarkable railway stations and bridges but later on, they went on to broaden their portfolio with various other projects like libraries, museums, complex centers, etc. They were inspired by nature, the use of materials, huge facades, and the use of arches. Some of their works are turning torso, Athens Olympic sports complex, and museum of tomorrow.
10. FOSTER AND PARTNERS
This is a British international studio of architecture. They constructed many high-rise glass and steel buildings. This group of architects believed in modernism and technology, they made sure that the materials they use are long-lasting and make the building study. Some of their famous works are the principal tower at principal place, galeries Lafayette and Dolunay villa.
11. COOK ROBOTHAM ARCHITECTURAL BUREAU
This firm specializes in residential projects, also focuses on knowing the clients better, which helps them design to their taste and also bring in their visions in the best possible way. They also connect with nature and every project has landscapes at a variety of scales. Some of their famous works are Abedian School of Architecture in Australia, Department of Law and Central Administration in Austria, and Drawing Studio for arts university Bournemouth.
12. RAFAEL MONEO ARCHITECTS
This firm is based in Spain and has won the Pritzker prize for architecture and RIBA royal gold medal in 2003. They use simple materials, straight lines, and large open spaces. Some of their important projects include The National Museum of art in Merida, and the Kursaal congress center and auditorium and lesu.
13. ALBERTO CAMPO BAEZA
It was firm based in Spain. They have tried and incorporated both natural and manmade elements to create exceptional spaces. They encourage minimalism in architecture and also eliminate color to maximize the expressivity of natural light. They are recognized widely for their natural way of working and understanding nature. Some of their important works are House of the infinite in Cadiz, Rufo house in Toledo, and MA Museum in Granada.
14. PROGETTO CMR- MASSIMO ROJ ARCHITECTS
The firm believes in the relationship between the past and the future, which makes them determined in putting the client first. They always understand in making their opinions matter and understand their vision which could help them get things into reality. They create a flexible, efficient, and sustainable design. Some of their famous works being the New Padua Calico football stadium and the Chongqing Jihua Yuelai Eco-Oxygen tower project in China.
15. RYDER ARCHITECTURE
They believe in the principles of architecture, being simplicity, usefulness, and elegance. They also tend to cut over the edges which don’t just help them stick on to basic shapes and this would help them play around with shapes, also connecting with nature. Some of their projects are New central station, St Andrew’s- Wesley Church, and cobalt 22 and 23.
