sofia crespo to animate casa batlló facade with bio-inspired AI projection mapping artwork

Casa Batlló introduces Sofia Crespo’s structures of being

Casa Batlló, the UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, introduces Sofia Crespo as its upcoming artist in residence, who will transform the iconic landmark with her Structures of Being projection mapping artwork. This immersive audiovisual event, blending artificial intelligence with the organic inspirations that fueled Gaudí’s creations, is scheduled for January 27-28, 2024.

Following in the footsteps of Refik Anadol, who animated the building’s facade with his 2023 Living Architecture event, Crespo is the second artist to participate in Casa Batlló’s The Heritage of Tomorrow residency. The program is dedicated to propelling Gaudí’s legacy into the future by inviting contemporary artists to interact with his work, through commissions, restorations, and research projects.

Structures of Being by Sofia Crespo blends organic forms and artificial intelligence | all images courtesy of Casa Batlló

a collaborative endeavor in connecting through nature

Visual artist Sofia Crespo (find more here) is described as a pioneer in the exploration of organic life and its evolution through artificial intelligence. Her work, Structures of Being, draws inspiration from nature, an elemental theme in Gaudí’s legacy. The show invites viewers on a journey through Crespo’s personal microscope, facilitating contemplation of life’s evolution through immersive encounters with the diverse materials, beings, and natural phenomena found within Casa Batlló. The artwork is accompanied by Robert M. Thomas’ music, featuring local performers such as organist Juan de la Rubia and the string quartet Cosmos Quartet. Sofia Crespo and Robert M. Thomas have closely collaborated to offer a comprehensive work, guiding their creations with their own algorithms, but with a common goal: to connect us with the present through nature.

‘Casa Batlló has a unique richness per square meter, and its capacity to inspire is endless for any artist, especially the facade, the public part of the House. Sofia’s creative universe is perfect for capturing it because it stems from a deep observation of nature, its essence, structures, and beauty, offering a personal view that combines art and innovation, just like Gaudí did in his time,’ shares Gary Gautier, General Manager of Casa Batlló.

the mapping draws inspiration from nature, a fundamental element in Gaudí’s work