By Francesca Lungarotti
“Nothing is art if it does not come from nature” – Antoni Gaudì
In 2026, the world celebrates and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of one of the most visionary and eclectic architects and artists of all time: Antoni Gaudí.
Gaudi loved nature and organic forms; he did not contemplate sharp angles or lines. His architectural approach was unique, characterized by fluid forms, vibrant colors, intricate details, and a profound integration of nature and religious symbolism.
Gaudi not only loved nature, but also drew inspiration from his observations of it. Plants, animals, and geological formations transformed into fluid, curvilinear structures in his buildings. Columns, facades, and interior elements often imitated tree trunks, vines, or waves, creating a sense of harmony with nature.
He loved color and texture: His works feature vibrant ceramic tiles, stained glass, wrought iron, and mosaics, often arranged in intricate patterns and new technique, such as the use of broken ceramic fragments: a hallmark of his decorative style.
Gaudí’s fervent Catholic faith influenced his designs, integrating spiritual motifs and biblical references throughout his architecture. The Sagrada Família, his most famous work, exemplifies this integration of faith and form.
He also experimented with innovative forms, including inclined columns, catenary arches, and parabolic vaults, often using three-dimensional scale models rather than detailed plans. This allowed him to explore complex geometries and structural solutions that were both functional and aesthetically striking. He believed that decoration and structure were inseparable.
Gaudí’s unique style is characterized by freedom of form, voluptuous colors and textures, and organic unity. Its essence draws from Catalan modernism, influenced by Neo-Gothic and Oriental styles.
Gaudí worked almost exclusively in or near Barcelona. Much of his career was dedicated to the construction of the Sagrada Família (Expiatory Church of the Holy Family), which remained a work in progress long after Gaudi’s death in 1926. With the completion of the church’s Tower of Jesus Christ on February 20, 2026, the exterior construction work on the UNESCO World Heritage Site is finally completed 144 years since breaking ground.
On June 10th, the anniversary of Gaudí’s death will be commemorated, culminating in the illumination of the church’s Nativity façade. The Tower of Jesus Christ, located above the central nave, was the final and most monumental of the 18 Sagrada Familia towers. At 172.5 meters, the Sagrada Família is the tallest church in the world.
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Sources:
“Antonio Gaudi” by George R. Collins; June 2, 2026; Britannica Antoni Gaudí | Buildings, Architecture, Sagrada Família, Works, Casa Batlló, Art, Mosaics, Biography, & Death | Britannica – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antoni-Gaudi
“Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia is Now Even More Worthwhile” by The Editorial Staff of Domus; September 22, 2025; Domus Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Família is even more worthwhile – Domus – https://www.domusweb.it/it/notizie/2025/09/22/sagrada-familia-gaudi-completamento-2026.html