La Pedrera: a healthy building

In all his works, Antoni Gaudí adhered to two guiding principles: aesthetics and functionality. This commitment makes Gaudí’s works true total works of art—buildings where every detail, from decoration to technological advancements in acoustics, lighting, hygiene and ventilation, was meticulously planned.

La Pedrera exemplifies this holistic vision, combining beauty and functionality in a unique and pioneering structure.

Innovation and the 19th-century hygienist movement

In the mid-19th century, a sanitation-focused movement emerged across Europe, emphasising the improvement of living conditions by addressing poorly ventilated and dimly lit spaces.  

Gaudí embraced this movement by incorporating architectural innovations into his buildings, aligning with its principles. The movement also influenced architecture and urban planning in Catalonia, notably through Ildefons Cerdà’s Eixample plan for Barcelona. Inspired by these ideas, Gaudí introduced enhancements in his projects to promote the well-being of their occupants.

Ventilation and natural light in Casa Milà

Gaudí designed La Pedrera-Casa Milà with two large central courtyards, in addition to the traditional ventilation patios for kitchens and bathrooms. These courtyards served to organise the building’s layout and ensure optimal light and ventilation for every apartment and room. This design made Casa Milà one of Gaudí’s best-ventilated buildings, intended to create a healthier living environment.

Every space in La Pedrera opens onto the main façade, one of the two central courtyards and the Eixample block’s interior patio. This arrangement enables cross-ventilation, which naturally and quickly refreshes the air inside the building.

One of Gaudí’s most innovative contributions to La Pedrera is the double-shutter system on the windows facing the courtyards. This system allows the upper section of the window to be opened for ventilation without fully opening it. This ingenious design allows residents to adjust ventilation and natural light in a practical and efficient way.

Aerial views of Casa Milà clearly reveal the strategic placement of these courtyards, which continue to facilitate natural ventilation throughout the building to this day.