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The lifts of Casa Milà
The vertical communications in La Pedrera consist of three staircases and two lift shafts.
In Casa Milà, Antoni Gaudí redefined the concept of housing by integrating advanced design and technological innovations for his time. One of the most striking yet lesser-known features of this building is the prominence Gaudí gave to the lifts. These not only eased access to the apartments but also embodied the modernity and comfort that Gaudí envisioned for Casa Milà’s residents.
Innovation and functionality in La Pedrera’s lifts
Gaudí designed Casa Milà with two lifts, each located in one of the two interior courtyards corresponding to the building’s main entrances.
Breaking away from the conventional system in Barcelona’s Eixample district, Gaudí disconnected the lift landings from the main staircases. Rather than relying on stairs as the primary means of access, the lifts became the main entry point to the apartments, while the staircases were relegated to secondary roles for service and emergencies. This layout reflects Gaudí’s forward-thinking vision, embracing the modern concepts of mechanical access and emergency exits.
The lift cabins themselves are masterpieces, crafted entirely from wood and featuring brass handles, a bench with armrests, a control panel and a communication telephone linked to each apartment.
The staircases: another thoughtful innovation
Despite their secondary role, the staircases of La Pedrera are another carefully considered feature. Gaudí ensured they were neither straight nor flat, instead following warped and dynamic surfaces throughout their design.
Gaudí elevated the function of these service staircases by designing steps with “human proportions”—wide and gently sloped—making it easier for domestic staff to ascend the seven floors to the attic, where laundry was washed and dried.
The railings are another stand-out feature, crafted from iron strips joined with rivets, which follow a variable undulating motion in each section, a design mirrored in the wooden handrails that traverse every floor, maintaining the organic forms synonymous with Gaudí’s architectural style.
