Is The Architecture Speaking To Me?

By: Jordan Williams

When I saw that my blog post was due, I was inspired by the possibility of a Black woman becoming a U.S. presidential candidate. Over fall break, my friend Ishika and I visited several cities, including Barcelona, Spain. One of my favorite parts of Barcelona—besides the nightlife—was visiting the La Pedrera (Casa Milà) museum. The architecture was incredible: the building’s curves, the multi-level rooftop, and the intricate attic resembling the inside of a whale’s mouth all told a story of their own.

Ishika and I took the guided audio tour, but we found it somewhat disappointing due to the lack of connection between Gaudí’s artistic choices and Spain’s historical context. While the house he originally designed for the family didn’t meet their expectations, certain features, like the innovative sliding doors, captivated me. The attic felt symbolic, representing the complexity of life, while the rooftop’s different levels seemed to reflect the many moods and feelings of human experience. I was also moved by how much Gaudí’s work was inspired by nature and his deep faith in God. The use of organic shapes, like butterfly wings, was central to his vision, and I felt connected to his spirituality. As a Christian, I too try to carry my faith with me wherever I go, and seeing La Pedrera through this lens was truly inspiring.

My favorite part of the tour, however, was at the end, where I saw scenes from Greek mythology painted along the walls in pastel colors, especially pink and green. The tour guide mentioned that the colors "spread like ivy along the walls," which reminded me of my sorority in the United States, the same one as Kamala Harris. Our colors are pink and green, and the ivy plant is our symbol. To me, this imagery was a metaphor for the resilience of Black women across America who, like ivy, work tirelessly to strengthen our nation despite the challenges they face—something highlighted in the recent presidential election.

EXPLORE EUROPE