Gaudí World Congress 2016 in Shanghai: A Fusion of Innovation and Tradition
Discover the highlights of the 2nd Gaudí World Congress in Shanghai, where international experts explored Antoni Gaudí’s influence on architecture, culture, and urban development. Learn about innovative forums and key insights shared by top architects.
Gaudí’s Global Influence Shines in Shanghai
The GWC Shanghai 2016 took place from June 21 to 23, 2016, a pivotal moment where Antoni Gaudí’s architectural legacy met modern innovations. Hosted at the Poggenpohl Shanghai Studio, this global event brought together leading specialists from around the world to share groundbreaking research on Gaudí’s life and work.
Keynote Innovations
From influential keynote speeches to panel discussions on architectural innovation, the congress emphasized Gaudí’s unique ability to blend natural forms with structural design, as well as his enduring influence on modern architecture. The event was a multidisciplinary platform for exploring how Gaudí’s work intersects with urban sustainability, contemporary construction techniques, and artistic expression.
Keynote Highlights: Innovation in Architecture
Several world-renowned experts shared thought-provoking presentations during the Gaudí World Congress 2016, focusing on how Antoni Gaudí’s architectural genius continues to inspire innovation in modern construction, urban design, and sustainability. These keynote speeches offered unique insights into the evolving relationship between architecture and nature, as well as the future of urban development. Below are some of the standout presentations:
Contemporary Architecture in the World
Benedetta Tagliabue
Spanish architect Benedetta Tagliabue explored how Gaudí’s use of organic forms and natural materials continues to inspire modern architects. She emphasized how contemporary buildings are adopting biomimicry—drawing from nature’s designs—to create environmentally sustainable structures. Tagliabue highlighted several projects that reflect Gaudí’s legacy of integrating aesthetic beauty with functional efficiency.
A Personal approach to the Work of Gaudí
Lourdes Cirlot
In this deeply reflective keynote, Lourdes Cirlot, Vice-Rector of the University of Barcelona, presented a personal and scholarly perspective on Gaudí’s work through the lens of Juan-Eduardo Cirlot, a renowned poet and art historian. Lourdes Cirlot provided an in-depth analysis of Cirlot’s literary contributions, which offer a unique interpretation of Gaudí’s symbolic use of form, color, and geometry.
Gaudí's Influence on Sustainable Urban Development
Arnold Herbert Walz
Architect Arnold Herbert Walz focused on how Gaudí’s principles can address today’s challenges in sustainable urban planning. Walz discussed Gaudí’s innovative use of natural materials and efficient structures, showing how his techniques can be adapted for eco-friendly construction. Walz underscored Gaudí’s early incorporation of bioclimatic design, which optimized energy use long before it became a global focus.
Distinguished Experts Who Gathered in
GWC Shanghai 2016
