Gaudi and Barcelona Club

Casa Batlló is located at Number 43 Passeig de Gràcia, in Barcelona. It forms part of the island of buildings known as the "manzana de la discordia" (block of dissension) because its buildings belong to so many different architectural styles.
The reforms included enlarging the building’s patio, changing the ground- and main-floor facade, crowning the roof and redistributing the dwellings’ interior spaces.
The interior patio was enlarged and covered with ceramic pieces designed by Gaudí.
The entire facade was depressed, forming undulations. It was covered with lime mortar, a layer of multi-colored fragments of broken glass, and circular pieces of ceramic. The balcony tiles were replaced with curved-base balconies and, on top of this, the famous railings which have originated so many interpretations were placed.
On the top floor we find two elements which break with the facade’s symmetry: a terrace and a tower. The tower is covered with pieces of glass; engraved with the monograms of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; and crowned by an ivory-colored cross which was created in Mallorca. When the cross came out of the kiln it cracked, but Gaudí said that he liked it that way even more.
In general, the weight-supporting walls were not touched, but the distribution of the flats was totally changed. The dining room was located at the rear facade. Gaudí designed a table, various chairs and a bench – which can now be seen in the Museum-House of Park Güell – for this room.

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