The modernity of a medieval castle

Antoni Gaudí evoked the defensive design of medieval castles in La Pedrera of Barcelona by incorporating a “crown-like structure” surrounding the building’s perimeter, forming a “sentry” walkway.

This 800-metre architectural solution spans the entire façade, visually reducing the mass of the attic and rooftop while reducing the weight on the foundations.

As he had done in 1900 at the Torre de Bellesguard, Gaudí designed a “sentry” walkway for Casa Milà that allows light and air to flow into the attic, traditionally used by household staff for washing and drying laundry.

True to Gaudí’s style, this walkway is characterised by its curving, undulating lines. In the accompanying video illustrates the sinuous path, topped by parabolic domes and culminating in pointed finials at four key points: the two ends of the façade and the corners of the chamfered edge.

“Buildings should have a double roof, just as people have hats and parasols.” – Antoni Gaudí