trencáis

Trencadís is a type of mosaic technique that uses broken ceramic tiles to create images. The word "trencadís" is Catalan, meaning "chopped" or "broken." This technique is most famously associated with the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who incorporated it into many of his iconic works in Barcelona, such as Park Güell and Casa Batlló.

The process of trencadís involves breaking ceramic pieces, often discarded tiles or pottery, into irregular shapes and sizes. These fragments are then adhered to a surface, typically using cement or mortar, to form a complete picture or decorative pattern. Unlike traditional mosaics that use precisely cut tesserae, trencadís embraces the imperfection and randomness of the broken pieces. This often results in a vibrant, textured, and organic aesthetic.

Gaudí's use of trencadís was not merely decorative; it was also functional. The technique allowed him to cover curved and complex architectural surfaces that would have been difficult to clad with conventional materials. The vibrant colors and shimmering surfaces of the trencadís also added a sense of dynamism and life to his buildings, reflecting his deep connection with nature and his whimsical artistic vision. While Gaudí popularized it, the technique has been adopted and adapted by artists and designers worldwide, becoming a distinctive element of modern art and architecture.