The topic explored for this pathfinder was Barcelona architecture. After talking to my client, Elizabeth, I discovered that she was taking a trip to Barcelona, Spain, and she wanted to learn more about the architecture in that area. More specifically, Elizabeth wanted to know more about the history, influences, and styles of architecture in Barcelona. I was given some limitations for this project: find web based information and print sources as long as it was obtainable from the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (IMCPL) system or IUPUI libraries. It was easy to find information in print format by using a subject search for Barcelona architecture, which resulted in some really great resources from the IMCPL and IUPUI catalogs. Many of the electronic resources such as the Academic Search Full-Text Elite, Great Buildings.com, and Architecture Week only required the use of simple keyword search terminology such as Barcelona Architecture. More specific searching terminology was used for the Catalan Hyperencyclopaedia and Grove Dictionary of Art. Some of these terms include: Modernism, Art Nouveau, and the names of buildings and architects. When searching in the Grove Dictionary of Art image section for Barcelona architecture the pictures were intermixed with other pictures of paintings and sculptures from that area. Overall, many of these sources were easy to use, and extremely valuable for finding information on Barcelona architecture. Enjoy!
Books
Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
Online Databases
Magazines and Newspapers
Websites
Audio-Visual
Levick, Melba, and Lluis Permanyer. Barcelona: Architectural Details and Delights. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1993.
This book gives an extensive overview of the architectural history in Barcelona, from the gothic to the Modernisme periods. There are beautiful pictures, along with detailed descriptions of significant architectural buildings in the city. Other sections in the book include information and pictures on ornamental details, balconies, doors, crests, finials, and cupolas. There are two indexes that contain a listing of all the architects and buildings featured in this useful and relevant book. Location: IMCPL - Interim Central Library. Call Number - 720.94672.
Permanyer, Lluis, and Melba Levick. Gaudi of Barcelona. New York: Rizzoli International, 1997.
This book provides information about the life of famous architect, Gaudi. It also highlights the many buildings Gaudi designed in Barcelona. A street map is provided for readers to show where Gaudi's work is located throughout Barcelona. There are two timelines at the end of the book, one that highlight Gaudi's life and the other that highlights Gaudi's work/architectural design. Location: IMCPL - Interim Central Library. Call Number - 720.91.
Permanyer, Lluis, and Melba Levick. Barcelona Art Nouveau. New York: Rizzoli International, 1999.
This book focuses on the Modernisme/Art Nouveau movement in Barcelona. The different architectural buildings highlighted in this book are organized by a street map of the city in the beginning of the book. The descriptions of buildings are enhanced by the beautiful pictures. Many Barcelona architects are featured in this book, including Antoni Gaudi, Mariano Pau, Josep Llimona, Camil Oliveras, Pere Falques, Joan Rubio I Bellver, and Domenec Sugranes. Location: IMCPL - Interim Central Library. Call Number - 720.94672.
Thiebaut, Philippe. Gaudi: Visionary Architect. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2002.
This handbook explores the work of Gaudi throughout the city of Barcelona. There are short documents available written about Gaudi and his works. This handbook is great for giving the reader an introduction to Gaudi and his architecture. Location: IMCPL - Glendale Library. Call Number - 720.91.
This online encyclopedia is a project created by the Comissionat per a la Societat de la Informacio and the Enciclopedia Catalana. It is possible to find information about topics other than architecture. However, if you use the list of search terms below you will find information on Barcelona architecture. Searches performed: Antoni Gaudi, Temple de la Sagrada Familia, Modernism, Guell Park, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. There are other names buildings and architects that can be found in this online encyclopedia.
This online database is useful for viewing pictures, and reading articles and biographies about artists/architects. The database is easy to search, plus it is also possible to read about the history of architectural styles and periods.
This online database provides some good articles about the architecture in Barcelona. It is recommended to perform a advanced subject keyword search for barcelona and architecture. There are some full text articles that are resourceful and interesting to read.
Finding the searching capabilities for this magazine website was not easy. Scroll to the bottom of the website, you will see greenish bar running across the bottom of the page, click the Search link. From there Architecture Week will be easy to use. It provides some excellent articles on Barcelona architecture when using search terminology such as "Barcelona," "Barcelona architecture," and "Gaudi."
Great Buildings.com is known as popular reference source for architecture information on the web. When using this website for finding information on specific architecture, it is possible to search by the names of buildings, architects, and geographical places. The website provides architectural information on dates, styles, and building types. Additional information such as design plans, pictures, and 3-D Models are sometimes available.
Sidenote: Sometimes this website does not always load. If the server cannot be found or it takes too long to get there, wait and try again. I think this is a valuable site, so do not give up on it.
This official website has some great information about the Temple of the Sagrada Familia. There are beautiful pictures, and it is even possible to take a virtual tour of the building. There is also detailed information about the temple's plans, bell-towers, crypt, domes, and facade.
This website has some good newspaper articles about the architect, Gaudi, and the Segrada Familia. From the homepage click the Link and News section, then click the News link to find this information. Also, the rest of the website has some interesting material.
Antonio Gaudi. Dir. Hiroshi Teshigahara. Image Entertainment, 1999.
This DVD has no dialogue, only captions in English. The focus is put on the visual impact of Gaudi's works such as the Casa Mila, La Pedrera and The Temple of the Sagrada Familia. Location: IUPUI University Library (DVD's). Call Number - NA1313.G3 A582 1999.