Antoni Gaudí (Reus, 1852 – Barcelona, 1926) is one of the essential figures of modernist architecture.

At a time of industrial and social transformation in Barcelona, Gaudí was the most emblematic architect. Among his most acclaimed works are the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Parque Güell and Casa Milà.

Famous phrases of Antoni Gaudí

His genius helped build a city like Barcelona, cosmopolitan and open to the world like few others. In this article we will review some of his most famous phrases and reflections .

1. The architect is the synthetic man, the one who is able to see things as a whole before they are made

One of the qualities of a great architect.

2. The architect of the future will be based on imitating nature, because it is the most rational, lasting and economic of all methods

Buildings based on the forms of nature? Gaudí already foresaw this at the beginning of the 20th century.

3. Beauty is the radiance of Truth

A magnificent reflection of the genius of Catalan modernism.

4. They asked me why I was making columns leaning to which I answered: “For the same reason that the tired walker, when he stops, props himself up with his leaning cane, since if he puts it upright he will not rest”

One of Gaudí’s maxims was to emulate natural forms in his architectural works.

5. My ideas are of an indisputable logic; the only thing that makes me doubt is that they have not been applied before

It may seem strange that being a pioneer in a discipline means that no one has ever managed to think the same way before.

6. The artist must be a monk, not a brother

What does an artist’s mind look like? Gaudí perceived it this way.

7. Architecture is the first plastic art; sculpture and painting need the first one. All its excellence comes from light. Architecture is the arrangement of light

Antoni Gaudí’s vision of architecture is reflected in this famous event.

8. My great friends are dead; I have no family, no clients, no fortune, no nothing. So I can give myself totally to the Temple (Holy Family)

An unhappy life allowed him to concentrate all his efforts on raising the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona’s Eixample district.

9. I never find anything in books, and when I do find something, it’s wrong

A pessimistic view of literature.

10. The most important requirement for an object to be considered beautiful is that it fulfils the purpose for which it was conceived

Pragmatism, according to Gaudí, was the pristine form of beauty.

11. Originality consists in the return to the origin; therefore, original is that which returns to the simplicity of the first solutions

A reflection that once again alludes to nature.

12. You have to eat and sleep just enough to survive

It is often said that, in his last years of life, Gaudí lived in total austerity, practically like a beggar.

13. Glory is the light, light gives joy and joy is the joy of the spirit

Another famous phrase by Gaudí dedicated to light.

14. Language is the exact expression of thought, and this can only be achieved with one’s own language, which does so in a perfect way

On this occasion, the Catalan architect talks to us about language and communication.

15. One of the most beautiful things in life is to work at ease

When you love what you do, well-being is always with you.

16. You have studied and are surprised that you don’t understand what I do; and I, who have also studied, still study and work without stopping

An ode to effort and persistence.