'Living Architecture: Casa Batlló' by Refik Anadol is a dynamic NFT of Antoni Gaudí's iconic Casa Batlló in Barcelona. The digital artwork, which was auctioned off at Christie's on May 10 for $1.38 million, makes use of real-time environmental data collected from sensors placed throughout the site. As a result, the pioneering masterpiece changes depending on the city's weather, real-time data, and the events celebrated on the famous building's façade, such as Saint George's Day and Christmas. Casa Batlló is the first UNESCO World Heritage site to be reinterpreted as an NFT. 'Gaudí is an amazing inspiration for any creator, and Casa Batlló is a dream work to dive into,' says the pioneering AI artist and digital architect, reflecting on the challenge of reinterpreting the work and principles of the renowned Spanish architect. 'From its organic architecture, inspired by nature, to the tiniest details on its many mosaics, it is a privilege to reinterpret such a living legacy and bring it to the twenty-first century, guided by Artificial Intelligence.'
Following in Gaudí's footsteps, Casa Batlló is teaming up with New Media artists to present digital art collections inspired by the architect's legacy and creative universe. In 2021, the museum debuted a series of immersive rooms, including the critically acclaimed 'Gaud Cube,' which featured Refik Anadol's piece 'In the Mind of Gaudí.' The Turkish-American new media artist has transformed the first UNESCO World Heritage Site into a dynamic NFT that changes in real-time thanks to AI in 'Living Architecture: Casa Batlló.' 'Casa Batlló's mission is to magnify Gaudí's magic, and Refik Anadol is the ideal companion for this journey,' says the author. Gary Gautier, Manager of Casa Batlló, reflects on why he chose Refik Anadol to carry on Gaudí's legacy into the future. 'His work exists between art and technology, expands architectural possibilities, and provides a new perspective beyond space and time.' Refik connects the past, the present, and the future, recalling the innovative, humanist, and visionary Gaudí.'
Anadol projected a mapping version of the piece on the façade of Casa Batlló in front of 47.000 people on May 7, 2022. Meanwhile, the 'Living Architecture: Casa Batlló' NFT was auctioned off as part of Christie's '21st Century Evening Sale' on May 10 in New York. The piece raised $1.38 million (1.3 million euros), with 10% going to Associació Aprenem Autisme and Fundación Adana, both of which specialize in neurodivergence support. The digital artwork is also on display at Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan until, May 13, and visitors to Casa Batlló in Barcelona can see it on the iconic building's fifth floor.
Jean Dubreil