BARCELONA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect revered as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism, designed world-renowned architectural masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens and Casa Batllo. Seven of his works have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Casa Vicens was the first independent design by Gaudi. It already showed Gaudi's emerging style: nature-inspired ornamentation, bold geometry and an integrated approach to architecture and decorative art.

A decisive influencer on Gaudi's career was Eusebi Guell, a wealthy industrialist and cultural patron. Their collaboration produced some of Gaudi's most important works, including Palau Guell and Park Guell.

Gaudi rejected traditional architectural conventions, turning away from rigid straight lines and embracing forms inspired by nature, movement and imagination.

Gaudi incorporated the legend of Sant Jordi into the design of Casa Batllo, and the roof of the house, of which tiles have the form of scales, represents the back of a dragon pierced by the four-arm cross that evokes the sword of Sant Jordi.

Casa Mila marked a further evolution in Gaudi's work. Here, his decorative imagination was matched by a deeper exploration of space, structure and function, with particular attention to light, ventilation and natural forms.

Sagrada Familia is the ultimate expression of Gaudi's architectural vision. Gaudi took charge of the project in 1883 and oversaw it until his death. More than a century later, the church remains under construction. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Barcelona.

Barcelona provided the cultural environment and urban stage that allowed Gaudi's architectural vision to develop. Gaudi, in turn, reshaped the image of Barcelona through works that have become defining symbols of the city. Today, that bond remains visible across Barcelona, where Gaudi's buildings continue to connect the city's past, present and future.

Photographer: Cheng Min