been classified with Gothicism (sometimes called warped Gothicism), Art Nouveau, and Surrealism. He was also influenced by Oriental styles, nature, sculpture, and a desire to go beyond anything that had ever been done before. Defying labels, Antoni Gaud's work might be simple called, Gaud-ism. As a child, Antonio never excelled in school. He suffered from arthritis, which kept his attendance low. He preferred to spend his time observing plants and animals, as well as studying forms in nature, which would eventually be very prominent in his designs. Casa Batllo Around 1870 Gaudi moved to Barcelona to study architecture at the Provincial School of Architecture. The young student earned special recognition in the areas of Trial Drawings and Projects, which allowed him to put his outlandish ideas to use. His professor proclaimed that what had been produced in these courses was either the work of an insane man or a genius. After graduating, Gaudi found comfort in the flourishing city life of turn-of-the century Barcelona. His first major project as a professional architect was workers housing in a factory, the Coopertiva Mataronese, which was intended to improve the workers quality of life. In the following years, with rapidly growing interest in his work, Gaudi took on many important projects. Among them was the house built for the wealthy ceramic manufacturer, Manuel Vicens. This was a villa named El Capricho. Soon after, Gaudi began designing a palace for his good friend Guell (Palau Guell), and then later the two collaborated on Park Guell, which was intended to be a garden city. Gaudi, however, is most recognized for his work on La Sagrada Familia, a twentieth century cathedral in Barcelona. Antonio Gaudi was a mere 31 years of age when he officially gained control over the building. The architect devoted the next forty-two years of his life to its construction, until his sudden death at age 74 in 1926. Important Buildings: 1882-Present: Sagrada Familia 1883-1888: Casa Vicens 1886-1890: Palau Gell 1888-1890: ColegioTeresiano 1891-1892: Casa Botines 1898-1900: Casa Calvet 1882-Present: Sagrada Familia 1883-1888: Casa Vicens 1886-1890: Palau Gell 1888-1890: ColegioTeresiano 1891-1892: Casa Botines 1898-1900: Casa Calvet Antonio Gaudis Work http://Antonio Gaudi Architecture http://Antonio Gaudi (Spanish Music) http://www.spain-info.com/barcelona/Antonio- Gaudi-Biography.htm