Here's to the crazy ones

Today we visited Barcelona and toured the city with a focus on the architecture of Antoni Gaudi. This architect is responsible for several buildings throughout Barcelona.

Supposedly when he graduated with his architecture degree it was said "We have given this academic title either to a fool or a genius. Time will tell." He was a mediocre student as an academic, but, of course, Gaudi was a great success as a creative practitioner. Presently, it is fashionable to use similar examples (e.g., Einstein) as a complaint that our schools are inadequate. Some very creative individuals are not recognized for their talents while students. This is true. However, it is flawed to conclude from a short list of exceptional individuals that those students who do well under existing circumstances are somehow prepared in a manner that is deficient. Students recognized as outstanding by the present system do far better professionally than other students selected at random. This is what comes to my mind each time I hear the story of a genius unrecognized by his/her performance in public education.

Anyway, this statement about "fool or genius" reminded me of the Apple ad campaign - Here's to the crazy ones. Gaudi certainly did create buildings that are unique in their structure. Gaudi is best known for his Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. The facility is unique.

Gaudi designed this building in 1909 and the present plans are to complete the building by 2026 (Gaudi would have been 100). You can see the cranes now used in the construction.

Gaudi took his inspiration from nature and not what he learned (or tolerated) in the classroom. His designs avoid straight lines. His soaring towers are reminiscent of trees. Some areas have green metal decorations mimicking vegetation and containing an occasional bug. Pillars visible internally have rounded areas (I think a biologist would describe them as burls) when supporting other structures that branch rather than traditional structures I think are described as balustrades. 

Here are some additional images. I found myself taking a large portion of the images in portrait mode because this seemed best suited to the vertical nature of the structures.

Gaudi died when he absent-mindedly walked into traffic and was struck by a vehicle. His shabby clothing resulted in him being thought destitute and he died in a hospital for the poor.