Casa Bruno Cuadros, Residential building with public art on La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain.
Casa Bruno Cuadros is a residential building on La Rambla featuring a mix of decorative styles applied during its 1883 renovation. The facade displays Egyptian motifs on balconies, stained-glass windows, cast-iron reliefs showing umbrellas and fans, and a large Chinese dragon set at the corner.
Architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas redesigned the house in 1883 with oriental elements as Barcelona prepared for the 1888 World Fair. The renovation reflected the city's ambition to present itself internationally as modern and cosmopolitan during a period of urban growth.
The building blends Asian artistic traditions with local design through its ornamental details and symbolism visible on the facade. These decorative choices show how Barcelona welcomed foreign influences and incorporated them into its architectural identity during this period.
The building stands at La Rambla 82 and is easy to reach since Liceu station on the L3 metro line is nearby. The ground floor is occupied by a bank, but the facade with its ornamental details remains visible from the street for visitors to observe.
The Chinese dragon at the corner was originally not mere decoration but a shop sign for the umbrella store that once operated in the building. This functional advertisement became an iconic feature and remains one of the most recognizable details of the facade today.
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