Methods and criteria in the restoration of the Palau Güell in Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Between 1986 and 1992 the facade and the roof were restored, the installations were renewed and the vestibule and the reception were renovated in order to welcome the visitors, the principal users of the building. The parallel studies dealing both with the historical aspect and the architectural and construction ones are reflected in a historical-constructive atlas. The work was approached with eclecticism and elasticity. In some cases, the mimetic reconstruction was chosen; in others, after a critical analysis, an analogical restoration or the harmonious diachrony was opted for. This was the solution chosen for the roof a peculiar combination of a terrace for domestic service use and an open-air sculpture museum. Some chimneys of uncovered brick as covered ones were faithfully restored. It was decided to retrieve the coating of the bare cowls. Various artists were entrusted with this work with the purpose of contributing their creativity rather than imitate Gaudí. In that way, the chimney landscape recovered its authenticity: the texture, the colour.