Casa Mila

Exterior of Casa Mila

Just above the Plaça de Catalunya, on a the corner of a crossroads on the Passeig de Gràcia is the Case Mila, one of Gaudi's treasures. This is a block of flats structured as a number of apartments. This isn't the full, over-the-top design creation that is Gaudi's Case Batllo - the apartment interiors are probably fairly typical of commercial properties at the time though with Gaudi's special magic sauce.

The external structure and especially the roof are something else entirely.

The facade is extraordinary. As usual, there are few straight-lines. Indeed the basic structures of horizontal floors and even rectangular windows are cunningly disguised by a very organic-rooted flowing design. Even the supporting pillars at ground level lean inward rather than offering a 90°-angle. The balconies an all the floors still retain their original metalwork. Very recognisably art nouveau in style but uniquely Gaudi in execution.

Main door to communal area

The entrance to the building is also in Gaudi's characteristic style. It leads into a very evocative communal space. Only one of the apartments is accessible inside the building - the rest clearly still in use. The interior of the apartment has some remarkable features such as the sliding door, when open, concealed inside the wall itself. Detailing is everywhere: scroll-work around doorways, custom design light-fittings, marble work surfaces in the kitchen, gentle curve transition from ceiling to wall; even down to small, claw-footed, brass door clasps. The ceilings in most rooms are amazing with plenty of plaster mouldings; one even has a ripple effect. Much of the interior furnishings such as wardrobe, beds and even curtains seems to have been Gaudi inspired.

Sagrada Familia from the Roof

The interior is rather subtle though compared to the exterior and the roof terrace. On the roof, the functionality of light wells lighting the interior of the apartments, stairwells to the terrace and even chimney exhausts illustrate the very unique style that was Gaudi's.

On the attic floor of the building we get to see some of the constructional elements which would be otherwise hidden. Even here we can see Gaudi's thoroughness; both in terms of building design and its implicit stylistic appearance. An exhibition of models and other items illustrates more of the building uniqueness.