Gaudísm's Cal Roca AI design © Ariadna Giménez

Join Artsper as we welcome Ariadna Gimenez, the creative mind behind the minimalist architectural project Gaudísm, based in Barcelona. From the project's inception to upcoming events in 2023, Ariadna tells us about the role of AI in her work, the psychological impact of this pioneering architectural style and "ethereal living" on the viewer, and the artistic journey which led to the creation of Gaudísm. 

1. Hi Ariadna! Can you introduce yourself and your project Gaudísm? 

Hi! My name is Ariadna Giménez and I'm a Catalan designer currently in Barcelona, originally from Gandesa, Terra Alta. I became interested in spaces and the impact they have on our wellbeing after graduating from Graphic Design and Visual Communication in the UK. After this, I went onto a Masters in Advanced Architecture to familiarize myself with architectural thinking. 

Gaudísm was born and evolved very naturally during this August 2022. Phase one started as a project exploring aspects of Catalan Modernism3 at different scales, using AI, and translating it into a contemporary and minimalist expression of natural forms. Really insisting on the fairytale aspect that this movement generates and the inspiration from nature. Phase two is the current moment and does not mean Phase 1 is finished, they exist and progress simultaneously. Gaudísm is evolving from a project exploring AI generated work, to an intentional design practice, with the goal to create objects and spaces that bring peace in a world overloaded with noise. Always focusing on giving ethereal feels, promoting zen values and mental well-being, creating sanctuaries of light.

2. Could you explain how AI works for someone who doesn't know a lot about the technology?

I am no expert about the more technical aspects of how it works behind the scenes, but I have become very familiar with the process of creating with this tool in a very intentional manner so I can talk about that. I like to think about it as a conversation. When I started using it I had a very clear image in my mind of what type of visual I wanted to get so I started writing text prompts. Your input can be a text prompt or an image, I always work with text. That text takes a lot of time and effort to calibrate and requires big amounts of testing to get that desired image. Generating images with AI is about finding the right keywords and the perfect context to pair this with in order to visualize an idea. 

Gaudísm's Cova Entrevessada and Coveta del Bosc AI designs © Ariadna Giménez

3. Why have you chosen to use modernism in your project, and more precisely Gaudí's modernism?

I have chosen Catalan Modernisme because it is the perfect base for me to work upon. Using the curves, the organic and botanical shapes and motifs but instead of having them as rich ornaments, using those motifs for morphology and symbolism, taking homes back to nature and focusing on the inspiration from traditional Catalan rural life. A minimal approach to the movement, giving it contemporary importance. 

4. Do you think this type of architecture could exist in real life? Where would you like to see it coming to life?

Yes! The best examples would be Roth Architecture, their work is a dream come true. In Gaudísm, testing and exploration has started at a smaller product scale with the hopes of scaling up when possible. I would love to see it in Terra Alta.

5. How do you think Gaudí has influenced Spain's landscapes and architecture?

I don't think Gaudi has influenced Spain's landscape, but the opposite, he was influenced by landscapes, he was part of 'Centre Excursionista de Catalunya', a hikers group probably something necessary for his work. In terms of architecture, he has left very complex and advanced techniques that have influenced and transformed how architectural buildings can be planned and structured. 

Gaudísm's Cal Barranc and Ca la Terra AI designs © Ariadna Giménez

6. Which contemporary architect today would you say has the potential to impact contemporary creation the way that Gaudí did (if any)?

More than a particular architect I would say there is a huge revolution with Advanced Architecture and Advanced fabrication techniques that will definitely have an impact on how we create, how we use materials, what materials we use and a very efficient collaboration between architects and robots, 3D printing technologies, parametric tools, etc.

7. Outside the realm of architecture, do you have favorite contemporary artists that you look up to, or who particularly inspire you?

Picasso, Matisse, Basquiat for their art, Isamu Noguchi, Rogan Gregory and Eduardo Chillida for their sculptures and James Turrell for his healing light work.

8. Finally, do you have any future projects that you would like to tell us about?

Gaudísm will be releasing the first product at the start of 2023, stay tuned!