Cadafalch

Cadafalch most commonly refers to Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a Catalan architect and public figure who was one of the leading lights of the Catalan Modernisme movement. He contributed to the development of Barcelona's architectural landscape at the turn of the 20th century and to the broader cultural life of Catalonia.

Puig i Cadafalch studied architecture in Barcelona and developed a style that blended Modernisme with historical references, especially Gothic and medieval elements, reflecting a search for Catalan identity in architecture. His work extended beyond individual buildings to urban planning and the restoration of historic monuments, illustrating a commitment to both innovation and cultural heritage.

Notable works include Casa Amatller in Barcelona (1898–1900), Palau Macaya (1901–1902), and Casa de les Punxes (1905–1909). These projects are characterized by asymmetrical compositions, expressive ornament, and careful integration with their urban context, marking a shift in Barcelona's built environment from historicism to a distinctly Modernisme vocabulary.

In addition to practice, Puig i Cadafalch was active in cultural and political life, contributing to institutions devoted to Catalan art, architecture, and heritage. His legacy lies in shaping a Catalan architectural language that influenced later designers and remains a reference for studies of Modernisme in Catalonia.