Summary

In Catalonia, Art Nouveau architecture and industrial development were two closely linked concepts at a moment when the industrial sector was expanding across the country. Art Nouveau architecture was typically associated with intellectuals and the bourgeoisie. The contribution of the world of labour to its creation, consolidation and development has only recently been studied.

This case study analyses how typical Art Nouveau traits became associated with industrial buildings and also how such traits were applied to more rational constructions, built with cheaper materials and using simpler constructive solutions. What was the importance in industrial buildings of typical Art Nouveau elements such as parabolic arches, bricks and ashlars or (a decisive incorporation) iron? How did the use of brick, glazed ceramics and glass walls influence the aesthetics of industrial buildings? What about the new technological and spatial requirements? And, how did these elements overlap?