Editing Palau de la Música Catalana (section)

===Design===

The design of the palace is typical of Catalan modernism in that curves predominate over straight lines, dynamic shapes are preferred over static forms, and rich decoration that emphasizes floral and other organic motifs is used extensively.  In contrast to many other buildings built in the modernisme style, however, it must also be said that the design of the palace is eminently rational. It pays strict attention to function and makes full use of the most up-to-date materials and technologies available at the beginning of the 20th century (e.g., steel framing).  As Tim Benton has commented:<ref name="Benton"/>

: "To eyes unaccustomed to the architecture of Barcelona, the impression of a riot of ornament lacking any logic or control seems overwhelming.  And yet the building follows exactly the exhortations of the [architectural] rationalists.  The structure, in brick and iron, is clearly expressed." Actually, its walls are the first example of [[Curtain wall (fortification)|curtain wall]] structures.
 
The wealthy citizens of Barcelona, who were becoming ever more sympathetic to the ''Renaixença'' at the time the palace was built, asked its architect for building materials and techniques that symbolized the Catalan character.  In response, he commissioned and gave great creative freedom to a variety of local artisans and craftsmen to produce the fabulous ornamentation, sculpture, and decorative structural elements for which the palace is famous.