Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló, designed by Architect Antoni Gaudí, is in central Barcelona along the infamous Passeig de Gràcia. With its unique facade of colourful mosaic tiles forming an organic flowing structure, Casa Batlló stands out in all its glory. The beautiful building integrates architecture, nature, and art. The interior spaces are connected through curved walls and fluid spaces, enhancing natural light and encouraging natural ventilation throughout the interior. As previously mentioned, the gorgeous building was unfortunately tainted by being over-occupied, claustrophobic, and stressful. Along with the business, the popularity meant tourism had to take over and change how people flow through spaces to increase profits. Barriers are placed to protect the history but also to force visitors into numerous gift shops scattered throughout. The constantly interrupted experience left much to be desired, and the only thing that could be hoped for when inside was to get out as quickly as possible. The thread art that resulted from this experience reflects the beauty and natural flowing architecture in a simplistic blue and brown thread, mimicking the colours Gaudí used in the building. Noticeably, there are some breaks in the symmetry, which reflect the barriers and disconnection felt when inside the space. They can also be considered to be a way to visualise the claustrophobic aspects of Casa Batlló, which are created with skinny hallways filled with far too many people. Overall, the piece reflects the discomfort and disconnectedness of the entire experience.