Barcelona is noted for its modernist architecture, with works by Gaudi, Domenech i Montaner and others giving the city an exuberant image; the buildings are highly decorated and interestingly shaped.
Part of our love for Barcelona comes from the decorative touches that appear all over, as you walk, wait for a bus, or just sit and relax. Above, sidewalk tiles on the Via Laetana; below a few more, including exuberant street decoration for a neighborhood festival in the Gracia section.
For a view of more Barcelona architecture, take a look at Gumbo’s blog on Barcelona’s “Other Architect.”
On a return visit last summer, we were walking to dinner in Gracia, and found these and more decorations on houses and streets; blocks compete with each other in annual celebrations.
For another urban perspective, from Pheymont’s details to the photographs of Michael Wolf’s Hong Kong, large scale “Architecture of Density“, currently at Flowers Gallery, London. Don’t neglect to click on “#39” on the gallery page for more images.
Unbelievable density…unimaginable to me to live in such a tight space.
It started a discussion here at home on the viability of cities, whether we could, with Marge Piercy, look forward to a future where cities do not exist—or to a future where, free of some of the economic and political structures of today, we could guarantee cities that are a pleasure to live in.
In the meantime…I wish I could be in London to see these pictures at gallery size.