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By William Van Zyl (Published on 4 September 2023).
Nonetheless, it wasn’t until architect Fred Van Brandenburg’s return to Spain to New Zealand in 2004, and his exploration of Park Güell in Barcelona—a masterpiece created by Gaudí during his naturalist phase, drawing inspiration from organic forms in nature—that Fred experienced a revelation profoundly shaped by Gaudí’s influence.
Van Brandenburg – a South African who emigrated to New Zealand as a young architect over 30 years ago – describes it as an architecturally cathartic experience that struck him like a sudden bolt of lightning. In a fleeting moment, he realised the necessity of delving into these structural principles, understanding how they could be adapted and applied in contemporary architecture, allowing the very structure to become the essence of the architecture itself. He made a radical decision, he refused to go back to his known style. His wife explained that she was concerned when she heard Van Brandenburg say to his clients: “I am not doing that type of work anymore.” “How will we they pay the bills now?” she asked. However, Fred made his decision, it would prove to be his watershed moment.
Gaudi said, “God does not use straight lines – look at nature – you will not find straight lines.” I personally – as a Young Earth Creationist – think God designed the world and the cosmos with His ‘curvilinear tongue.’ According to scripture, God spoke the world – the entire cosmos – into being. The Creator is a very Intelligent Designer. Arc upon arc, parabola upon parabola, hyperbola upon hyperbola and every other curve you can imagine in between. Magnificent!
“Let there be light…”.
Back to Van Brandenburg in Barcelona, absorbing the design genius of Gaudi: He explains – ‘Overwhelmed with emotion, tears welled up in his eyes as he had this profound realisation.’
A true epiphany.
Imagine the changes he had to go through. A true paradigm shift. From straight lines, arcs, and circles to the domain of curvilinear design. See his latest work, a formidable progression since radically shifting his approach. Imagine the learning curve for his team of architects and product designers.
They had to learn about organic shapes, forms, patterns, and textures. Furthermore, they had to develop their digital technology skills: 3D printing and scanning. The paradigm shift had to include an organic mindset for sustainability, engineering and science: The civil engineering challenges of physics, describing structures, beams, reinforced roofs, waterproofing, sustainability, using recycled materials (stone/pebbles/ceramics and much more) was facing them head on. As architects, they were truly transformed in their thinking – they had to find solution – and they did. Gaudi’s design principles and beliefs had been instilled in them as architects and designers – it was a stunning transformation.
Fred said that they build a model first, then the drawings follow. In the past, when a building has been completed, a model would follow. A model of the Marisfrolg project in China by Dunedin-based Architecture van Brandenburg. Credit: Stuff & Architecture Van Brandenburg: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/71314687/kiwi-architecture-flying-high-in-china
The image is taken from the website of Architect Van Brandenburg. The Marisfrolg Campus in Shenzhen (China) is China’s foremost fashion industry hub. Its hallmark is a collection of interconnected curvilinear buildings, which beautifully capture a bird’s fluid and graceful motions in flight. This symbolises the client’s vision for a dynamic and prosperous future. Credit: Van Brandenburg Architects (NZ). Link to the stunning design work and images: https://www.vanbrandenburg.co.nz/en/architecture/marisfrolg-campus/#main
Table of Contents
Gaudi’s design philosophy, in short:
- Organic Architecture: Gaudí believed that architecture should harmonise with nature and draw inspiration from natural forms and patterns. His buildings often feature flowing, curvilinear shapes and intricate, organic details that mimic the beauty of the natural world.
- Structural Innovation: Gaudí was a pioneer in using innovative structural techniques and materials. He incorporated the use of hyperbolic paraboloids, catenary arches, and other unconventional structural elements into his designs to create buildings that seemed to defy gravity.
- Faith and Spirituality: Gaudí was deeply religious, and his architecture often reflects his devout Catholic faith. His most famous work, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, is a testament to his spiritual beliefs, with its awe-inspiring interior spaces and religious symbolism.
- Functionality and Aesthetics: Gaudí’s designs are known for their artistic and sculptural qualities, but he also prioritised functionality. He believed architecture should serve its intended purpose while being visually striking and emotionally evocative.
- Contextualism: Gaudí was conscious of his projects’ cultural and historical context. He integrated Catalan culture and history elements into his designs, creating buildings that felt deeply rooted in their surroundings.
In summary, Gaudí’s architecture philosophy was characterised by a fusion of nature, spirituality, innovation, functionality, and cultural context, resulting in some of history’s most iconic and distinctive architectural works.
I list the curvilinear design-power of Jehovah:
Curvilinear shapes and forms are characterised by smooth, flowing lines and curves, as opposed to straight or angular lines. They can be found in various design, architecture, and nature aspects.
Here is a list of some common curvilinear shapes and forms:
- Circle: A perfectly round shape with all points equidistant from the center.
- Ellipse: Similar to a circle, but elongated, with two different radii.
- Spiral: A curving shape that continuously winds around a central point, such as a spiral staircase or a seashell.
- Arc: A portion of a circle’s circumference.
- Crescent: A shape resembling a curved moon, often used in symbols and design.
- Oval: A shape that combines aspects of both a circle and an ellipse.
- Parabola: A U-shaped curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to one of the cone’s sides.
- Hyperbola: A curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane at a certain angle, resulting in two separate curved branches.
- Wave: A repeating curvilinear pattern often found in water or sound waves.
- Sine Wave: A smooth, periodic oscillation that resembles a wave, commonly used in mathematics and physics.
- Organic Forms: Natural shapes and forms, like the curves of leaves, petals, or human body contours.
- Clouds: The soft, billowy shapes of clouds in the sky often have curvilinear forms.
- Hills and Valleys: Landscapes with rolling hills and curved valleys.
- River Curves: Meandering rivers create winding, curvilinear forms.
- Floral and Plant Forms: Many flowers, plants, and trees exhibit curvilinear growth patterns and foliage shapes.
- Abstract Art: Abstract paintings and sculptures frequently employ curvilinear shapes and forms to create flowing, dynamic compositions.
- Furniture Design: Curvilinear forms are often used in furniture design to create chairs, tables, and other pieces with flowing lines.
- Architecture: Architects incorporate curvilinear forms in building designs, such as curved facades, domes, and arches.
- Vehicle Design: Curvilinear shapes can be found in the design of cars, airplanes, and boats, enhancing their aerodynamics and aesthetics.
- Technology: The casings of many modern electronic devices, from smartphones to laptops, often feature curvilinear shapes for ergonomic and aesthetic reasons.
These are just some examples of curvilinear shapes and forms, and they are frequently used in art, design, architecture, and the natural world to convey a sense of fluidity, beauty, and harmony.
Antonio Gaudi:
The Sagrada Familia stands tall, nearly 560 feet, amidst the Barcelona skyline, shrouded in scaffolding and watched over by cranes. It’s a monument that has been under construction for over 140 years, with plans to remove the external supports around 2026, making it the tallest church in the world. This monumental basilica, designed by Antoni Gaudí, was originally intended as a tribute to both God and the Roman Catholic Church. However, over time, it also became a symbol of the city itself, a testament to the architect’s meticulous planning and design.
Familia Sagrada. Barcelona Spain. Credit: ArchDaily.https://www.archdaily.com/438992/ad-classics-la-sagrada-familia-antoni-gaudi
On June 25, 1852, Antoni Gaudí was born in the Catalonia region of Spain. Sadly, his life was cut short when, 15 days before his 74th birthday, he was struck by a streetcar. Tuesday’s Google Doodle commemorates what would have been his 161st birthday by showcasing his iconic architectural creations rather than the often-private Gaudí himself.
Antoni Gaudí i Cornet. 25 June 1852 – 10 June 1926. Public domain.
Gaudí’s upbringing was marked by frail health, which may have contributed to his reserved demeanour. Born into a Mediterranean coastal family, he exhibited extravagant tastes in his youth and never married. He was reportedly attracted to only one woman, a local teacher, who did not reciprocate his affections. Gaudí’s spirituality deepened as he aged, and he found solace in his Roman Catholic faith.
Gaudí was renowned in Barcelona for his saying, “My client can wait.” His mission was to glorify God through his work, and he believed that such divine endeavours should not be rushed. Currently, efforts are underway for his beatification by the Association for the Beatification of Antoni Gaudi.
While the Sagrada Familia project is a testament to Gaudí’s methodical work ethic, the city of Barcelona serves as a living museum of his architectural genius. Parc Guell, located at the city’s heart, features benches, porticoes, and sculptures adorned with his signature mosaic style. Gaudí introduced a novel mosaic style, trencadis, which involved applying fragmented tiles or glass to pre-formed three-dimensional objects.
Parc Guell – Barcelona Spain. Credit: https://citywonders.com/blog/Spain/Barcelona/5-incredible-facts-about-park-guell
Parc Guell – recycled ceramics – mosaic work. Credit: https://www.mozaico.com/blogs/news/park-guell-mosaic
Additionally, Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera (The Quarry), displays graceful undulating lines, all part of Gaudí’s vision.
How did Gaudi use parabolas, hyperbolas, arcs, spirals, and curves in his structures?
Antoni Gaudí’s architectural genius was marked by his innovative use of parabolas, hyperbolas, arcs, and curves in the design and engineering of his buildings. He employed these mathematical forms to achieve both structural stability and aesthetic beauty. Here’s how he incorporated these elements into his architecture:
- Parabolas:
Because of their structural efficiency, Gaudí used parabolic arches in many of his buildings. These arches distribute loads evenly and resist outward thrust. One of the most famous examples is the catenary arch, which is a type of parabolic arch. Gaudí applied this shape in the Sagrada Família’s interior columns and ceilings, as well as in Park Güell’s viaducts.
- Hyperbolas:
Gaudí sometimes utilised hyperbolic shapes to create unique and visually captivating designs. For instance, the Sagrada Família’s Nativity Façade features hyperbolic towers with intricate spires and facades that twist and turn in captivating ways.
- Arcs and Curves:
Gaudí’s buildings rarely featured straight lines, relying instead on curves and arcs. These organic and flowing forms were inspired by natural shapes. For example, Casa Batlló’s undulating façade and rooftop are notable for their use of curves, which resemble the rolling waves of the sea.
- Surface Revolution:
Gaudí’s innovative use of ruled surfaces, where straight lines become curves and vice versa, allowed him to create complex three-dimensional shapes. Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, exemplifies this technique with its undulating and irregular façade, resembling a natural rock formation.
- Structural Innovation:
Gaudí often integrated these curves and arches into the structural elements of his buildings. For instance, he used the catenary arch in the Sagrada Família’s nave to support the weight of the ceiling while allowing for large, open interior spaces. In Park Güell, he employed curved retaining walls that also serve as seating.
- Experimentation:
Gaudí was known for his experimental approach to architecture, using scale models, hanging chains, and physical prototypes to test and refine his designs. This hands-on approach allowed him to understand his buildings’ structural behaviour better.
In summary, Antoni Gaudí’s use of parabolas, hyperbolas, arcs, spirals, and curves in his architecture showcased his structural engineering and aesthetic innovation. His ability to seamlessly blend these mathematical forms with organic and natural inspiration created some of the most iconic and visually stunning buildings in architectural history.
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Casa Mila – By Gaudi. Barcelona Spain.
Balconies – Casa Mila. Credit: https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/building/mila-house/la-pedrera-casa-mila-antoni-gaudi-wikiarquitectura_003-2/
Original drawing by Gaudi. Credit: https://archoftheworld.tumblr.com/post/52126788062/architectonika-some-original-drawings-by-one-of
Gaudí is often regarded as the pioneer of Catalan Modernism, a style that added a distinct Catalan touch to the sweeping Art Nouveau movement in Europe, although he himself distanced his work from political connotations.
His true genius was capturing his Mediterranean homeland’s patterns and geometrical forms, seamlessly incorporating them into his architectural masterpieces. Living and designing to give glory to God. Of his famous words:
‘My client can wait.’ ‘To glorify God takes time,’ he said.
Copyright © 2023 by William Van Zyl
Antonio Gaudi – ‘God’s Architect’ – transforms paradigms.
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Published by Five House Publishing (New Zealand)
First Publishing, September 2023
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