Finding Cultural Finding Cultural Values in Architecture Values in Architecture

By By Lisette Lisette

The second building that I like to mention in this article, is the “Cathedrale de Barcelona”. Once again, I recognize the bluntness in the design since the majestic facade is nothing more than a facade that is between one and two meters thick. The cathedral was built as a gothic church. However, the design was not perceived as extensive enough Hence, a facade of circa one to two meters was added in order to change the design to something that aligned more with the idea of a gothic church of the local people. I was really surprised by this act because it was a huge bluff that is still part of the city landscape and the sights of Barcelona. Furthermore, it is even possible to see it because the façade ends where the other houses block the sight, and you can see how the facade was added to the church. In this way, I realized that it is accepted in Barcelona to act upon your intrinsic motivations. It feels like people in Barcelona ask way less if something is accepted or allowed than Germans. They just do it if they feel like it. Furthermore, I realized that architecture is not something public that can be judged, compromised, and restricted by everyone. However, it is a form of self-expression that is shown to the public while the social environment is highly accepting of the expressed intrapersonal urges.

All in all, it can be said that the culture and architecture of Barcelona can be expressed as if you feel like it, then do it. If you feel like having a tree in the house, then do it. If you feel like the church is not extensive enough, then change it In this way, the architecture as well as the culture in Barcelona is shaped by a personal component and by not changing or refining things in order to match the expectations of other people because it is accepted to have quirks, habits, and a degree of roughness.