THE wineries OF THE CATALAN MODERNISTS, A VIEW FROM THE STRUCTURE

Abstract

At the beginning of the XXth century, several Catalan hsinapS eht ot degnoleb ohw ,stcetihcra tsinredoM Movement, coped with the hard economic situation in the region by means of their works. In 1878, the vineyards had suffered the devastating effects of “phyilloxera”. Peasants, producers and landowners created cooperatives to face the crisis and started building “cellers” (wineries) that worked efficiently to recover their markets. The Great War aggravated the economics difficulties causing energy wood and steel shortages. The architects had to use cheaper traditional construction techniques, based on bricks and stones. Around 1890, new methods of Structural calculus taken from Graphic Statics allowed to solve parabolic arches with the “antifunicular” theory. Antoní Gaudí and other architects used these procedures, and taught them to their disciples. One of them, Cesar Martinell, designed over forty “cellers”. This work describes chronologically the functionality and stylistic characteristics of these wineries and it shows the style evolution and innovations produced during the period. Furthermore, this article analyses the building methods used, inspired very efficient  structures and singular buildings. These wineries belong to the cultural patrimony of Spain, and are proudly known as “Cathedrals of Wine”.