GWC 2014: Honoring Gaudí’s Visionary Mastery
The Gaudí World Congress 2014 in Barcelona was the first-ever scientific conference dedicated exclusively to the groundbreaking work of Antoni Gaudí. Organized by the University of Barcelona and The Gaudí World Foundation, this event gathered 350 international experts, scholars, and professionals to present unpublished research and discuss Gaudí’s far-reaching impact across various disciplines.
The GWC 2014 explored Gaudí’s visionary contributions to architecture, design, sustainability, and even gastronomy, offering a new understanding of his creative processes. Highlights included in-depth discussions of the Cripta de la Colònia Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as a central focus for understanding Gaudí’s architectural innovations.
Five days of discovering Gaudí
The Gaudí World Congress 2014 brought together experts from multiple disciplines to explore the profound and lasting influence of Gaudí. The GWF 2014 edition gathered over 350 participants, who presented cutting-edge research, previously unpublished studies, and fresh perspectives on the architect’s work.
We were honored to host the Gaudí 1st World Congress at the University of Barcelona, the very institution where the great Catalan master earned his degree under the guidance of Elies Rogent, the architect who built this historic building.
The five-day event delved into various aspects of Gaudí’s genius, such as his groundbreaking architectural methods, symbolic use of religious and natural elements, and his integration of science, art, and technology.
Gaudí’s legacy through diverse perspectives
Keynote Highlights from GWC 2014
Throughout the GWC 2014, several influential figures delivered powerful keynote speeches, blending academic insight and practical applications of Gaudí’s legacy. Here are some of the standout moments:
Dra. Lourdes Cirlot, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Barcelona, opened the congress with a profound speech on Gaudí’s cultural and artistic impact. She highlighted how his architectural creations are deeply rooted in religious symbolism and natural forms, making his work both timeless and spiritual.
Arata Isozaki, a globally recognized Japanese architect, provided a compelling discourse on Gaudí’s global influence. He delved into Gaudí’s innovative structural techniques and his ability to create organic forms, framing him as a visionary whose work continues to inspire across borders and generations.
Ferran Adrià, a world-renowned chef, explored the intersections between Gaudí’s creative genius and modern gastronomy. Drawing parallels between architecture and culinary arts, Adrià showcased how Gaudí’s unconventional approach transcends design, influencing sensory experiences beyond visual aesthetics.
Conrad Kent, Professor Emeritus at Ohio Wesleyan University, reflected on the pioneering work of George Collins in Gaudí studies. He discussed Collins’s contribution to the global understanding of Gaudí’s work, particularly emphasizing how Collins brought Gaudí’s achievements to prominence in North America.
These highlights are just a few of the many insightful speeches that took place during the Gaudí World Congress 2014. These keynote addresses set the tone for a highly enriching event, showcasing the profound and multifaceted influence of Gaudí across various disciplines —from architecture and art to gastronomy and academic research.
Meet the visionaries
Experts behind Gaudí’s GWC 2014
We sincerely thank all the esteemed experts and scholars who contributed to the success of the GWC 2014. Your insightful research and shared knowledge transformed this event into a landmark gathering for Gaudí enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. Your invaluable contributions, dedication, and unwavering support from the very start of our journey have been instrumental in furthering the legacy of Antoni Gaudí.
