Global work

Sagnier conceived the commission as a work of art and he enlisted the help of the best craftsmen of the time to achieve it. The façade stands out for its mosaics (by mosaic artist Lluís Bru) and sculptural work. Other notable features include the pointed arches at the entrance and on the third floor, a typical NeoGothic trend that was so in vogue at that time. The stained glass windows and other elements have been lost but the building’s overall state of preservation is excellent.

The architecture of the ruling classes

Enric Sagnier successfully met the challenge of fitting a building designed for three distinct uses (housing, laboratory and pharmacy) into a very narrow and complicated space. Sagnier was already a renowned and experienced architect at that time, responsible for quite a few buildings in Barcelona, most of which had been commissioned by the city’s wealthy residents, with whom the architect had a good relationship.