Josep Lluis Sert

This book is a case study on a relatively little known crypt designed by Antoni Gaudí — little known compared to Sagrada Familia, at least — for his long-time client Eusebi Güell. Actually part of an unbuilt church, the crypt is a significant work in Gaudí's canon, since his famous Sagrada Familia depended on the experiments he carried out here, namely the hanging models that have become legendary. Unfortunately the architect never made a plaster model of this smaller church, so it remained only partially complete after the death of his client (Gaudí went on to devote all his time to Sagrada Familia after 1915).

Sert's text sheds some light on the crypt, though he spends more time on the significance of the building than on detailed descriptions. The latter void is made up for by the numerous photographs by Joaquim Gomis. Therefore the book is split into two halves: Sert's essay in four languages (Spanish, English, French, German) followed by the photos, some in color but most in black and white – all full-page and full-bleed. Handy foldout floor and ceiling plans serve as a key to the 82 photos, a nice addition to a nice little book.… (meer)