Compositional and formal analysis of five singular façades in the city of Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Introduction: As one traverses a topographically flat city like Barcelona, monumental structures with distinct characteristics in the profile of their facades are unveiled. These features encompass compositional and formal identities that differentiate them from others, rendering them singular. The perspective offered by the volumetric interplay of reliefs, balconies, pilasters, and tribunes presents a complexity diverging from the typically flat facade. Objective: From this, one may question the singularity inherent in a facade and entertain the idea that this element can encapsulate the entire architecture of the building. Methodology: Thus, this investigation emerges as part of the culmination of a master's thesis in Project, Process, and Programming at ETSAB. It entails interpreting the facade as an isolated object in its entirety and employing two well-known tools intrinsic to the architect: drawing and paper. Results: The former serves as a deliberate instrument for comparing the intricacies of relief detailing, constituent parts, and the upper termination of the facade. This is coupled with a basic interpretation facilitated through two paper maquettes, allowing for a three-dimensional consideration of the object's complexity and depth. Conclusion. Concentrating on a specific analysis of elements comprising each section of the facade revealed similarities upon their juxtaposition, thereby enabling the development of parameters that unveil the formal composition of each case.