Gaudí “punctured” Casa Milà

One of the defining aspects of the first modern metropolises at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century was the emphasis on improving hygiene in homes. In this historical context, Antoni Gaudí designed La Pedrera to ensure that the main apartments in this iconic Passeig de Gràcia building were filled with natural light and had direct ventilation.

To achieve this, Gaudí chose to “puncture” the building, creating a structure of apartments arranged around two large central courtyards. This unique layout in Catalonia incorporated interior corridors that not only structured the apartments but also flooded the building with natural light.

“Architecture is the arrangement of light; sculpture is the play of light.” – Antoni Gaudí

La Pedrera: a building of light and ventilation

The more light and ventilation Casa Milà could provide, the more “liveable” it would be. For this reason, the façade, acting as a curtain wall, features large windows to enhance the entry of light. The two central courtyards of La Pedrera, akin to clearings in a forest, also allow light to penetrate deep into the interior.

A distinctive feature of Gaudí’s design is that, on the inner façades of the courtyards, the windows on the lower floors—receiving less light—are larger than those on the upper floors.

Even the attic was conceived with light and ventilation in mind: its 270 arches create a connected space that facilitates easy airflow, and the lighting comes from small windows opening onto the courtyards.