GATCPAC’s Barcelona

A great radical movement and a great exponent of architectural rationalism, GATCPAC (Grup d'Arquitectes i Tècnics Catalans per al Progrés de l'Arquitectura Contemporània) brought knowledge of European avant-gardes such as Le Corbusier, Gropius and Bauhaus to Catalonia during the Second Spanish Republic. With members such as Josep Torres Clavé, Antoni Bonet Castellana and Josep Claret, the group was formed in 1929 in Barcelona and developed such symbolic works as Casa Bloc and Dispensari Antituberculós (Anti-Tuberculosis Clinic).

GATCPAC not only transformed architecture, but also defended a new way of understanding the city and housing, emphasising its social function, constructive efficiency and hygiene. With a clear desire for modernisation and social commitment, the group had a great influence on urban development and the renewal of architectural thought in Catalonia in the 20th century

Fundació Joan Miró presents the itinerary The Barcelona of GATCPAC, a route through Sant Gervasi that allows us to discover the evolution of architecture over the course of the 20th century and to link it to the most important social, political, cultural and artistic events in the city. It is precisely in this neighbourhood, which has a liberal tradition, that many of the modern residential projects built during the 1930s, such as Casa López, on Carrer Muntaner, or Casa Rodríguez Arias, on Via Augusta, are to be found. 

This discovery activity is part of Se7manes d'Arquitectura which, until 28 June, offers a wide-ranging programme of activities aimed at strengthening the link between architecture and citizenship. You will find more information on the itinerary of The Barcelona of the GATCPAC on the Fundació Joan Miró website.