Lead up to Parc Guell (Section 3)

And finally…the lead up to Parc Guell

A brief history of how Urban Planning came about, and the connection to Eusebi Guell:
Sir Ebenezer Howard was the creator of Urban Planning that was initiated in England, 1898. This involved Gardens that were made to be self-sufficient. Inspired by the Utopian Novel; Looking Backward and Henry George’s; Work, Progress and Poverty, Sir Ebenezer Howard published his own book; A Peaceful Path to Real Reform, in 1898, which was then re-released in 1902 as; Garden Cities of Tomorrow. His dream was to build a Garden City that would house 3,000 people on a site of 6,000 acres planned on a concentric pattern, with open spaces for public parks. This was exactly what Eusebi Guell wanted for Barcelona.


So, in order for this to happen, Guell needed land, but not just any land. On Muntanya Pelada, or, most commonly known as; Bald Mountain, there were two adjourning farms-the perfect location for what is now the neighbourhood that surrounds Parc Guell. Guell approached this particular farm land with the intention of buying both properties. However, this was not based on a spontaneous act. Guell purchased the first farm in 1899 and the second adorning farm in 1902, a total of 15 hectares. The geographical land mapped a similar layout to the influential Greek city of Delphi.  Knowing that the Greek city of Delphi was popularised by tons of approaching artists, and, on many occasions, held events in which poets displayed their talent(s). With this in mind, it gave Guell an influential reason to replicate the same form of residential areas in which (the rich) can come together, engage, or due to the designated layout, keep in their own solitude.

“The property was to be developed as a housing project like no other, a privately financed garden suburb.”
-well, that was the plan!

LOCATION:

Muntanya Pelada, or more commonly known as Bare Mountain, was a notorious hotspot for rocky trails and little vegetation, making it the ideal location for a quiet residential site, already included was a large country house, known as the Larrard House (-in 1906 Guell moved into the house). The intention was to take advantage of the fresh air-away from all the Smokey factories, and the peace of being a few miles from the busy City Central. From the highest peak of Parc Guell today, the views over Barcelona are stunning. 60 triangular plots were to be created; reserved for luxurious homes. The results were disappointing to say the least. Perhaps it was the distance, or the expense but only two houses were built, neither by Gaudi. One was intended to be a show house, but the lack of buyers prompted (Count) Eusebi Guell into asking Gaudi to buy-with his savings, the second house, in which he did, resulting in him living with his Father and Niece.


Gaudi lived in this home from 1906 to 1926 and has since being turned into a museum; Casa Museu Gaudi, which allocates some of his personal belongings-such as furniture and flooring, and modern-day-furniture has being placed in recently to revamp it.


Before construction began on Bare Mountain, Gaudi was aware he needed to build reliable and prolonging water supplies to cover the area and its dry land. This involved viaducts and underground cisterns-a waterproof receptacle with a thin layer that allows water to be stored, in most cases this is used in locations or situations where water is scarce. Once the viaducts and cisterns were built and put into place, roads were next; allowing residents to come and go in horse and cart, along the steep slopes, separate footpaths are under the cloisters. This allowed distance, minimising interruption in passing. The roads and paths designed and mould into position by local stone that allows them to camouflage into the scenery. Gaudi’s structures are equivalent to natural vegetation and the process of life’s growths of plants and trees that, in time, lean.  Bird nests have being scattered upon the vaults, bringing the odd green bird, pigeons and sparrows.


A network of viaducts allowed bonding of roads and pathways, made from organic stones that had being taken from the site itself. Gaudi planned for 3 viaducts with a width of 5 metres; designed to snake their way up the mountain. This allows carriages, from the main entrance of Carrer d’ Olot, up to the highest peak of the estate. The viaducts are suspended upon a sloping structure of columns and vaults made from stone. On the upper parts the balustrades are circulated by plots with vegetation. Roads measuring ten metres wide and 3 metres planned for paths and shortcuts with steps and slopes that allow easy access to various plots.


Gaudi was notorious for his passionate affair with nature. When he came to view the site, to analyse and record multiple grounds of brittle rock, and the fielding district, he did not see it as a monotonous project. He was very delighted in the aspect of lightening up the area with nature and religious symbolism; that offers the future residences somewhere serene.


The next on Gaudi’s list was the shared community services. This involved; Porters Lodge, A Reception Area-for when visitors arrive, a chapel and, most importantly the Public Square.



The square:




The Square was already premeditated in the mind of Gaudi’s. The Square’s purpose was to unite people in a civilised manner, a community that offers; love, happiness, a time to cherish and admire the surroundings of Barcelona. It is also a spacious Square that could allow poetry and many artists to declare their work and share amongst the mutual gatherings. The most prolific part of the Square is the snake-like bench that is made from Trencadis, was built in the later stages of construction (1910-1913). Gaudi involved his fellow work men to sit down, and use their bums as models to form the seating planning. Gaudi wanted the seats to be very comfortable and waterproof. The bench is very long, swirling in and out, and very colourful and is always greeted with infatuation and happiness.


The Hipostila Hall:

Once you have walked the great entrance stairwell, you will greet the Hipostila Hall. The Hipostila Hall was originally built to withhold an estate Market that would allow the residence quick access to food and drink. The Hipostila Hall is made up of 86 columns inspired by the Doric Columns originated by Greek architecture. The ceiling is filled with small domes that are made from clay brick, shard of glass and mosaic. It is beautiful to stand underneath and look up, better still, many people lay on the floor and look up, admiring each dome as an individual masterpiece, like each one represents a different story. The columns stand 6 metres high and are slanted deliberately, in order to give the structure a more natural look. All of the 86 columns hold the second main tourist attraction in Parc Guell, The Square. The favourite tourist spot is where the dragon holds its character in pride.

The infamous stairwell


Once the exciting sensation dies down from seeing the two pavilions, tourists immediately flock to the stairwell. The stairwell consists of three flights of eleven steps and one twelve; there is a separation in the middle that is fulfilled with water features. The stairs are divided symmetrically in to two parts by three fountains. Each fountain relates to a symbolic purpose that represents Catalan Nationalism, or the religious interpretations of Guell and Gaudi, and those who mutually feel the same connections. The first fountain represents the world, with a compass by its side, which could coincide with their visionary and trusting directions that gained them the confidence and ability? On the second flight of stairs appears to be the shield of Catalonia with a snake, some say the snake represents medicine. The snakes head is under a Catalan flag- a combination of medicine, healing, along with the strong believe in nationalism. And, now we come to the main attraction of Parc Guell, as it stands today. The dragon, which highly gets confused with a lizard, is filled with mosaic tiles, and broken ceramics, decorated in many vibrant colours. Many people who come to Parc Guell, now, mainly come to see and be photographed alongside the dragon. Not only does it hold its own individuality but it also has a valuable purpose. When the underground reservoirs and water cannot accumulate enough the surplus is expelled through the mouth of the dragon, and down the waterfalls.


The Infamous Pavilions




The same year construction began on Parc Guell (1900), Hansel and Gretel was in production, in Barcelona’s Opera Season, translated into Catalan by Joan Maragall-a known friend of Gaudi’s. So, could the two Pavilions at the entrance of Parc Guell be linked to the story in a metaphoric way, or is this a predictive theory of relevance, or just a plain coincidence? Many of those who have visited Parc Guell, as it stands today, compare the two Pavilions to replicas of giant Gingerbread houses. The main entrance is on the south side of Carrer de Olot. Just before you enter the Parc you will notice the big iron gates. There are guiding walls all around Parc Guell, made up of rustic stone. The wall also displays many ceramic tiles that does not form a routine pattern, but uniquely spread out, randomly. There are two big medallions, one with the word Parc and the second Guell. The Pavilion on the left was originally built to be the Porters Lodge, with a waiting room and a phone booth. The Pavilion on the right was meant to be the Porters residence-hence the label name; Casa del Guarda, but is now used as Barcelona’s History Museum. Both Pavilions are equally decorated with the traditional Trencadis-mosaics made of tile shards, pottery, and broken ceramics.

The Austria Gardens

The Austria Gardens; one of the original plots to be used on the estate, is now a municipal garden fulfilled with plants. The location is very quiet and inspiring to those who, like Gaudi, are a fan of nature and its children. The name Austria came from the donation of trees from Austria in 1977. In the centre of the Austria the views are remarkably stunning and you can see two houses that were built within Guell’s life.

How did Guell’s vision of a Residential Estate for the wealthy end up as Parc Guell?

There are many speculations as to why the Residential Estate never succeeded; the outbreak of World War 1, the many limitations on the lease, too far out from the City, the price of the land, either way the results were inadequate.  The large-scale development was reduced to three plots of land; two were bought by Marti Trias I Domenech-for him and his family. Domenech was a lawyer and a great friend of Gaudi’s. Josep Pardo I Casanovas built the show house which was to promote the estate. Due to its downfall, Guell persuaded Gaudi to buy the show house for him, his father and his niece. Gaudi moved in, in 1906 and lived there till 1926. In 1963 the house was turned into a Gaudi Museum. The museum holds valuables of Gaudi’s and also some items that have recently being placed in there.


Although the initial idea was a failure, the birth of Parc Guell in architectural and current business terms has being very successful.  Barcelona is a popular destination for tourists; Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia are two of the many places to go and see.


Parc Guell Fees:


Barcelona’s City Council introduced a fee that restricts those who have not paid, the southern side of Parc Guell, since Friday 25th October 2013. The residents, surrounding Parc Guell, complained to the local Council about the constant crowds. Barcelona’s City Council approved the many complaints, resulting in a maximum number of tourists per hour, and a fee to see the Southern Side of Parc Guell. The revenue pays for security and the maintenance.


Once the residents of Barcelona and Tourists were aware of the new fee, many people raced online to pre book their tickets, by midday 1,900 tickets had being sold. 25,000 access cards for the neighbours were sent; this allows them unlimited access and can ask for a card any time. The City Council are expecting to obtain €1 million budget with the entrance fees and the money spent in the Museum/Gift Shop. If you have a mobile phone that allows applications to be stored then Parc Guell offers you a map and audiovisual guides to those who wish to improve their experience with a history output.


You can reserve tickets 3 months in advance, which calculates 20% of the total price of the reservations-the remaining 80% must be paid within 7 days before the date of the visit. However, if you have to cancel your ticket(s) please be aware you have to report these 24 hours before your visit and will only regain 50%.


Please also be aware, in order to keep your time slot you can enter the Parc up to 30 minutes after the starting time. You cannot enter the Parc once the time band has passed.


If you purchase a ticket at the ticket offices or ATMS located at the Parc, the availability of tickets depends on the visitors already in the Parc, up to a maximum limit of 400 people per hour. It makes more sense to either reserve a ticket online or purchase a ticket in advance.

Opening times of Parc Guell:


(AUTUMN-WINTER) 27TH October-23rd April
(8-am-6-00pm)

(SPRING-SUMMER) 24TH March-30Th April
(8-00am-9-00pm)
1st May-26th October
(8-00AM-9-00PM)


DISABLED ACCESS

People who have limited mobility may find walking around Parc Guell quite difficult due to the architectural characteristics of the Parc. There are numerous flights of steps and uneven, stony paths.
In the monumental zone there is access to WI-FI.
There is a restaurant in the Parc aswell as numerous public toilets.

If you are interested in gifts/souvenirs then there is a shop that sells such things as, jewellery, postcards, posters, t-shirts and so forth. There is also a bookshop that specialises in Gaudi and Barcelona.

When the fee came into place many people protested. A letter was sent around to those who opposed the fee, gaining many signatures.

..........................
Here is a copy of the letter:

Para: ........
Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias
The Park Güell, one of the most famous works by the architect Antonio Gaudi and an icon of the city, was given to the city to be used as a park in 1922 by the Güell family. It is renowned for its modernist architecture and was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1984. The Park Güell is one of the city's largest urban green spaces and is a place of leisure for many of the townsfolk who go there for a stroll, some exercise and a breath of fresh air.

It not only forms part of the memory and remembrances of many of the city's residents, Cortazar, Kapuściński, García Márquez and others too, strolled around it and made it immortal: they were able to visit a park that was free and belonged to all.

The park was deliberately allowed to deteriorate over the last decade through cuts in its maintenance budget. The current crop of politicians who are advocating its closure, assert that the park is currently losing money and that the only option is for it to be transferred into private management. Various neighbourhood associations have shown this to be false and how
the data is being manipulated.

At present, the Park Güell is economically self-sufficient (its expenses are covered by two cafés, a museum and a souvenir shop). Closing off its landmark area will not solve the problems related to its deterioration (no plans guaranteeing its economic sustainability under private management
have been submitted) or overcrowding (there will be more people in a smaller space) and responds instead to policies seeking to turn the city into a tourist destination that go beyond the park.

At the "Plataforma Defensem el Park Güell" we insist that there are other ways to handle the deterioration (through the tourist tax which the city has already imposed) and overcrowding (by making arrangements for tour buses to visit in shifts).

At the "Plataforma Defensem el Park Güell" we also wish to avoid discrimination against townspeople who do not reside in one of the seven neighborhoods that are adjacent to the park or who live elsewhere in the metropolitan area. Whereas some people will have a card that will allow them to circulate freely at any time, everyone else (tourists or locals) who wishes to visit the park will have to compete for one of the 100 free tickets that will be made available hourly.

The PARK GÜELL is a work of art, it is part of the cultural heritage of everyone who resides in Barcelona, whether or not they are tourists. Don't close it.

Atentamente,
Tu nombre

....................

However, this was not taken into consideration; the fee still remains to this day.


PRICE: Online and Ticket office prices

General Ticket Online €7 -Ticket Office €8

Children 0-6 years 0 Ticket Office 0

7-12 years €4.90 Ticket Office €5.60
Over 65 €4.90 Ticket Office €5.60
Disabled+
accompanying person €4.90 Ticket Office €5.60

Parc Guell is rich in colour, and there is always something fantastic to see. With the restriction of 400 people per hour, visiting the grounds of Parc Guell can be done a lot quicker, especially with the strict rule of one hour. It helps to know a certain degree of history about Parc Guell before visiting; this allows you to recognise the main attractions and understand its story/purpose. There is now a fee to visit the Southern side of Parc Guell; this area is where Gaudi spent most of his time in constructing.  It is worth seeing, but be aware if you’re not comfortable walking a distance or, your footing is a little unbalanced it is best to avoid the area due to the stony paths and crumbling slopes. For a rest and a get-together, the Square is the perfect place to visit, with the long winding bench over-looking fantastic views of Barcelona. You can really see and feel the inspiration, especially on a warm/hot day. To stand and admire the view and all the architecture that has being bred, is well worth the few Euros.

I have researched all that I have written, from the Phoenicians to present-day Parc Guell, for 3 months. I have spent 9-10 hours reading through hundreds of pages, and writing every-day. I took two or three days off during that time due to a current illness that prevented me to focus 100%. I have fully enjoyed all that I have read and learnt. In future projects I shall be researching further into Ildefons Cerda and the Eixample, and delve as far as I can into Catalan Identity. I have loads of projects that will keep my Blog active for a very long time indeed.
This journey has being emotional, but worth every second.


Enjoy,

If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to ask me, all opinions are welcome.