Casa Batlló History – 1904–1906 Transformation

1) Pre-Gaudí Building (Late 19th Century)

• Original apartment block on Passeig de Gràcia with conventional layout.
• Facade was restrained compared to later Modernisme neighbors.

2) The Commission (Josep Batlló, 1904)

• Goal: stand-out prestige residence and symbol of success.
• Decision point: demolition vs radical redesign—Gaudí proposed metamorphosis, not replacement.

3) 1904–1906 Transformation Timeline

4) Materials & Techniques

• Trencadís (broken tile) for chroma gradients and reflective shimmer.
• Hand-shaped ironwork for organic balcony and rail curves.
• Progressive tile saturation in the light well to equalize luminance.

5) After 1906 – Stewardship & Conservation

• Ownership transitions maintained the house’s artistic mission.
• Conservation eras: gentle cleaning, selective ceramic replacements, structural monitoring.
• Today’s visit blends original form with careful preservation ethics.

6) Context in Barcelona’s Modernisme

• Alongside Casa Amatller and later Casa Milà, Batlló forms a stylistic conversation about nature-inspired architecture.
• Passeig de Gràcia became the boulevard of bold domestic artistry and urban identity.

7) Visitor Tips (History-Focused)

• Begin outside: read facade as chaptered story (sea → bones → dragon).
• Inside: track how ergonomics and light well choices serve daily comfort.
• End on the roof: recognize the dragon spine as both myth and climate logic.

Bottom Line

Casa Batlló’s transformation shows how innovation can reuse structure while elevating everyday life—history becomes tangible through light, comfort, and poetic form.