The Unique City

Teenagers gather in an intimate plaza

Children play futbol in an intimate plaza

It is in Barcelona's less bold spots: it's nooks and crannies, it's small plazas, it's dim lit taverns, it's basilica fruit markets, that The Unique City is found. Sometimes all it takes is to look past the 300 meter church to the group of children chasing a ball.

The Universal Souvenir

Sagrada Familia 'Snow Globe'

The Gaudi brand has turned Barcelona into the ‘Generic City’ where the Sagadra Familia has become the ‘Universal Souvenir’.

"The unique parts of all Generic Cities together have created a universal souvenir, scientific cross between Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and Statue of Liberty: a tall building (usually between 200 and 300 meters) drowned in a small ball of water with snow," - Rem Koolhaas

Gaudi Musicians

Spanish guitarists perform at Parc Guell

Musicians performing in Parc Guell; Photo: Nicole Stitzel

Because of 'The Gaudi' branding, Spanish culture appears to have been artificially placed at the landmarks in order to appease tourists. The musicians at Parc Guell have an almost staged appearance.

Viewing to and from Gaudi

Tourists viewing  from Parc Guell

Tourists viewing Sagrada Familia; Photo: Liam Murphy

On the left, tourists crowd at the top of Parc Guell to view Barcelona. On the right, tourists crowd at the top of an overlook to view Sagrada Familia. Gaudi’s influence literally surrounds Barcelona.

Ironically, the family of tourists on the left looks bored. Perhaps, 'The Gaudi' wasn't enough to satisfy their appetite.

Gaudi Repetition

Parc Guell, Barcelona, Spain

When one mentions traveling to Barcelona, it's always met with the same "You're going to love the Gaudi!" or "Make sure to check out the Gaudi!" As a result a new brand has emerged: 'The Gaudi'.

The ‘Gaudi’ brand Barcelona has been sold under is as repetitive as the Zara located on every street corner.