Escursionismo e architettura in Catalogna, cento anni fa

Abstract

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, through excursionism, Catalan architects travel and observe the countryside, and although they confirm a particular architecture consequent with the climate and topography, their interests lie mainly with the medieval monuments.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, coinciding with de foundation of the CEC (Centre Excursionista de Catalunya) and its Section of Architecture, highly frequented by students and professionals, the point of view drifts from the former interest for monumental heritage towards popular and vernacular architecture, and at the same time proclaiming the relationship between architecture, man, and the physical and spiritual environment; an idea in the service of a national Catalan architecture, that draws towards the mythification of its origins.

With the arrival of avant-garde architecture, interests move towards the simplicity and functionality of popular and vernacular architecture, relating, in this way, to its mediterrenianity.