palace of the generalitat celebrates 600 years of catalan architecture

palace of the generalitat celebrates 600 years of catalan architecture
all images © david cardelús

the palace of the generalitat is a gothic structure located in the center of barcelona, spain. the building — which recently celebrated its 600th anniversary — has housed 129 presidents, reflecting nearly seven centuries of the catalan people’s self-governing power.

the gothic gallery

to celebrate the anniversary, spanish architectural photographer david cardelús was tasked to visually represent the president of catalonia’s office. challenged by the structure, and its legacy, he conceived a different way to approach the project. rather than focus entirely on the intricacies of the countless decorative pieces, gargoyles, and ornamental details, he chose to search for moments of simplicity. supporting elements, windows, arches, and courtyards become places of continuity, details distill into shapes, and materials change change with the light of day as it passes slowly overhead. by capturing essentials and abstracting when possible, his images are able to pull the building out of its time and respectful present it in all its historical glory. 

the gothic gallery

saint george and the dragon, at the keystone of saint george chapel dome

the saint george chapel at the gothic gallery

details at sant jaume square 

courtyard and stair leading to the president’s office

ornamental elements

president’s office at the gothic gallery

orange tree filled plaza

dragon gargoyle at the bisbe street façade

gargoyles at bisbe street represent the legend of saint george

designboom has received this project through its ‘DIY submissions’ feature, which welcomes readers to submit their own work for publication. see more designboom readers submissions here.