For this summer’s latest episode of the A is for Architecture Podcast, I spoke to the writer Michael Euade to discuss his 2023 book, Antoni Gaudi, part of Reaktion Books’ Critical Lives series. Gaudi has recently been beatified by the Catholic Church, making him one step short of being declared a saint. But for what? Gaudi is unquestionably a monumental figure in the pantheon of named architects, but saintly? That’s a bit different.  

Antoni Gaudí, a revered Art Nouveau architect whose visionary designs reshaped Barcelona’s skyline, was a man of what some see as contrasts—devoutly religious, politically conservative, and boldly innovative. Michael and I discuss this in the context of Gaudi’s home in Catalonia and through his large body of work - including the iconic Sagrada Família - which blended Gothic, Baroque, and Orientalist elements with great sensitivity and style.

From humble beginnings in Reus through transformations in Barcelona, Gaudi’s life was marked by personal trial and artistic evolution and Michael’s book – and our conversation - opens up the architect in new ways: as political, social, cultural and spiritual figure.   

Michael can be found on his personal website here, and the book is on the Reaktion website, linked above.

Visca Catalunya lliure! 

Well, maybe…

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Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick