You’ve surely heard of Gaudí’s trencadís, haven’t you? Or, if the name doesn’t ring a bell, the typical mosaic-style colorful dragon figure that can be seen in Parc Güell probably comes to mind. That is an example of the trencadís technique, an innovative style that emerged during Catalan Modernism with Antoni Gaudí as its greatest exponent.

 

At Barcino, we draw inspiration from this Catalan tradition so you can learn more about where the design of our decorative and gift pieces comes from. Because in Barcino we are inspired by this Catalan tradition to create our decorative objects that have a style and design with their own personality.

 

What is the origin of trencadís?

Trencadís is a technique in which ceramic pieces are broken and put back together to form colorful and lively designs.. Its name comes from the Catalan “trencar”, which means “to break”, and refers to the way in which the fragments used to make the designs are obtained.

The origin of trencadís is associated with Catalan modernism and, in particular, with Antoni Gaudí.In fact, it is also known as “trencadís modernista”. However, it is known that the use of mosaics with irregular fragments dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Byzantine, Islamic and Roman civilizations. These cultures used ceramic, glass and stone pieces to decorate their buildings.

The materials can be very varied: tiles, ceramic, glass or marble, etcetera.. As soon as the type of material is selected, it is broken into irregular fragments and glued on a base forming original and colorful compositions. This technique does not follow symmetrical patterns, so the final result is very striking and original.

Trencadís in Catalan Modernism

Trencadís reached its peak during Catalan Modernism. This is an artistic and architectural movement that took place at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. This style was inspired by nature, organic forms and creative freedom.

Within modernism, architect Antoni Gaudí was the main promoter and perfecter of modernism. of this style of Catalan mosaic: trencadís. Thanks to the use of this technique, he managed to give his works a unique dynamism, with a great variety of color, texture and movement in architecture.

 

But Antoni Gaudí’s trencadís was not the only one we know of: other modernist architects, such as Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Maria Jujol, also used trencadís in their designs.

 

Today, this technique is still a benchmark and continues to be and continues to live on through brands such as Barcino Designs, which reinterprets the trencadís in high quality decorative figures.

Antoni Gaudí and the use of trencadís

Antoni Gaudí was the architect who took trencadís to its maximum expression.. He transformed the traditional mosaic technique into a new reinterpretation that took place within Catalan Modernism, giving it a new aesthetic and structural functionality.

Unlike classical mosaics, which are usually composed of uniform geometric pieces, Gaudí’s mosaics are characterized by their irregularity and diversity of colors. characterized by its irregularity and diversity of colors. The architect used fragments of broken ceramics, glass and other recycled materials and integrated them into his constructions.

 

The trencadís in Gaudí’s work was not only decorative, but also had a practical function: it gave the necessary dynamism to the architectural forms. a practical function: it was able to give the necessary dynamism to the architectural forms and, thus, reflect and, thus, to reflect that his inspiration came from nature.

 

Examples of Gaudí’s works with trencadís

Gaudi’s Catalan mosaic works are well known throughout the world. Some of his most famous creations incorporating the trencadís technique are the following:

 

Parc Güell

It is one of the most famous examples of trencadís in Gaudí’s work. In this park you can see the wavy bench of the central square, covered with ceramic fragments of various colors and shapes, and the well-known dragon or salamander of the main staircase, which is a symbol of Barcelona.

Sagrada Familia

Although the basilica is mainly made of stone, Gaudí used trencadís in decorative details, such as in the towers and on some of the facades. In the domes of the towers, for example, you can see shiny ceramic pieces that reflect the sunlight.

Batlló House

 

It is one of the masterpieces of modernism and its facade is covered with glass and ceramic fragments that create a scaled effect, reminiscent of the skin of a dragon. Inside, Gaudí also used trencadís to decorate rooms and different elements.

Casa Vicens

This work is one of Gaudí’s first important constructions. And, in it, we can already see his interest in modernist trencadís. The facade is adorned with brightly colored tiles, and in some interior spaces you can see trencadís in ornamental details.

Gaudí’s trencadís is a central element of his style and, with this technique, he managed to create spaces full of color and vitality.

 

Trencadís today

Trencadis is still used today in contemporary architecture, decorative design, urban art and sustainability. Modernist trencadís is still a symbol of creativity and has been able to adapt to new trends.

 

For example, in today’s architecture, trencadís is used for cladding buildings, public spaces and street furniture. Its ability to adapt to curved shapes and its resistance to outdoor weather make it an ideal solution for the creation of modern buildings with a Catalan essence.

 

In the field of design and decoration, Gaudí’s trencadís is still used in the interior design of homes, hotels and restaurants. interior design of homes, hotels and restaurantsIt gives an artistic touch to any establishment.

 

It is also widely used by companies with a sustainable philosophy, as it allows the reuse of materials such as ceramics and recycled glass. It is a technique that promotes the circular economy and waste reduction.

 

Importance of trencadís in Catalan culture

The trencadís is, without a doubt, one of the signs of identity of the Catalan culture and of the city of Barcelona.. Its colors and shapes are present in some of the most visited monuments in the world. This modernist technique has become a symbol of the culture and art of Catalonia.

 

Barcelona remains the city most closely linked to the trencadís technique, not only because of Gaudí’s works, but also for the exhibitions that take place in museums and cultural spaces that pay tribute to this technique. Spaces such as the Museum of Modernism of Barcelona or the Gaudí Exhibition Center show the evolution and importance of trencadís in art and architecture.

 

In this context, at Barcino Designs we also work for the preservation and evolution of trencadís. Through our decorative figures, we keep the spirit of Gaudí alive, giving it a modern and contemporary approach.

 

In our collections, such as the Premium Collection, Classic Collection and Carnival Collection, we apply the essence of Gaudí’s trencadís to our figures and transform everyday objects into eye-catching pieces of art.

 

Trencadís today

Trencadís has many interesting facts you may not know. And, for that reason, here we tell you some of the most interesting most surprising aspects of this technique.

 

• It is not just any mosaic. Although trencadís is similar to other mosaic techniques, its main difference is the use of reused irregular fragments of ceramic, glass or porcelain, instead of pieces cut to size. This technique achieves a more organic and dynamic visual effect.
• A handcrafted process with history. Trencadís was born to reuse leftover ceramic pieces in construction, but over time it became an art in its own right.
• Although Antoni Gaudí did not invent trencadís, he elevated it to its highest artistic expression. His art was inspired by nature, so he used this technique to create undulating surfaces full of movement.
• Trencadís is not only used in architecture but also in decoration. Over time, trencadís has also been applied in decoration and interior design. Nowadays, it is common to see it in furniture, decorative accessories and even in contemporary artwork. For example, at Barcino Designs we apply the trencadís technique to decorative figures that are perfect for decorating the home or making a very original gift.
• A sustainable technique. Since its origins, trencadís has embraced the reuse of materials, making it an example of circular economy long before this term was known.

 

As you can see, Gaudí’s trencadís technique is a symbol of creativity, tradition and modernity that continues to evolve over time. And at Barcino Designs, we work every day to continue paying tribute to this tradition that is so much a part of us.