Josep Antoni Coderch, an important Catalan architect

There are a lot of things that have made Barcelona into one of the most popular cities in all of Europe. A number of excellent restaurants, a sunny Mediterranean weather, and an abundance of cultural events are only a few of the things that attract millions of visitors every year. But one of the most memorable aspects of the city its surprising architectural landscape. Names like Gaudí, Cadafalch, and Domenèch i Montaner have made history, creating some of the most famous touristic sites in the city. Another important name in Catalan architecture, not heard as often as the names mentioned above, is Coderch.

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Who was Josep Antoni Coderch?

Photo by Jordiferrer via Wikimedia Commons

Born in Barcelona in the year of 1913, Josep Antoni Coderch studied architecture under Josep Maria Jujol, who collaborated on a variety of famous works such as Casa Batlló and Parc Guëll. After he finished his studies, Coderch opened an architecture studio in Barcelona with partner Manuel Valls. Business picked up relatively quickly and Coderch found himself creating some of the most important works of his career just two years after.

During his career, Josep Antoni Coderch received a variety of architecture and design awards and went on to become a representative of CIAM and to teach at Escuela Superior de Arquitectura de Barcelona.

Related article: Works by French architect Jean Nouvel

What are Josep Antoni Coderch’s most famous works?

The Trade Towers: The Trade Towers are a group of buildings that house a number of offices. The towers opened their doors in 1968 and have since been declared a site of architectural interest by Barcelona’s Town Hall.

Location: Gran Via Carles III, 94

The La Caixa Towers: Another group of impressive buildings, the La Caixa Towers were created by Josep Antoni Coderch in collaboration with Francisco Mitjans Miró, built between 1979 and 1983. The buildings operate as CaixaBank’s headquarters and also the home of La Caixa‘s bank foundation.

Location: Avenida Diagonal, 621-629

Photo by Pere prlpz via Wikimedia Commons

Residential buildings: Josep Antoni Coderch designed a number of interesting residential buildings in the district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. His innovative use of panels gave the buildings a distinctive feeling, not similar to anything that had been built until that time.

Location: Carrer de Johann Sebastian Bach

Other notable works by the Catalan architect are the Catasús house, the Chocheras de Sarrià block of buildings, the Instituto Francés, and the Banco Urquijo residential buildings.

Not only an architect

Many don’t know but Josep Antoni Coderch did more than architectural work. He also dabbled in industrial design, creating a handful of fireplaces and lamps, and did some photography work, which has been featured in different venues in Spain.

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