The Bach 4 apartment building, completed in 1965 by Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, exemplifies a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, making it a seminal work in the firm’s early portfolio. Situated in a typical residential neighborhood of Barcelona, this seven-story structure is not merely a collection of apartments but a nuanced exploration of architectural duality, programmatic complexity, and the art of craftsmanship.
Bach 4 Apartment Building Technical Information
- Architects1-5: Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura (RBTA)
- Location: Bach Street, Barcelona, Spain
- Topics: Brick in Architecture
- Total Area: 31,000 m2
- Year of Completion: 1965
- Photographs: © Courtesy of RBTA
Architecture is the expression of values. The most important thing is the relationship between people and spaces, and how we make the cities of tomorrow.
– Ricardo Bofill 6
Bach 4 Apartment Building Photographs
Duality in Design
One of the most compelling aspects of the Bach 4 building is its duality—both in function and form. The building features two distinct entrances, each corresponding to a different social and architectural program. On M. Perez Cabrero Street, we find the entrance to 21 rent-controlled apartments designed with modesty and practicality in mind. In contrast, the entrance on J.S. Bach Street leads to 12 luxury apartments and a custom-designed penthouse, reflecting a higher level of refinement in both materials and spatial organization. This bifurcation in the program is not merely symbolic; it manifests in the varying levels of detailing and the deliberate treatment of public and private spaces within the building.
Craftsmanship and Tradition
Bofill’s adherence to traditional construction methods in the Bach 4 building is particularly noteworthy. The use of Catalan craftsmanship is evident throughout the structure, most notably in the brickwork that defines the horizontal layering of the facades. The side brick screen walls facilitate ventilation and natural lighting, which testify to Bofill’s ability to incorporate functional elements with aesthetic precision. The interior stair cores, designed with Catalan brick vaults, further underscore the building’s connection to local architectural traditions while serving as functional and visual anchors within the design.
Homage to Gaudí
The uppermost sections of the facades are set back to create a dynamic interplay of balconies, chimneys, and railings. This design choice recalls the whimsical yet deliberate forms of Antonio Gaudí. This homage to the Catalan master is subtle yet powerful, imbuing the building with a sense of place that is both contemporary and timeless. The use of curves in the building’s façade, mainly where it defines the circular Plaza Sant Gregorio Taumaturgo, adds a sculptural quality to the structure, allowing it to engage with its urban context in a manner that is both respectful and assertive.
Transparency and Transition
On the ground floor, Bofill masterfully blends public and private realms. The inclusion of shops, lobbies, and the entrance to an underground car park ensures that the building is not isolated from the street but rather part of the city’s fabric. The transparency of the two ground-floor entrances serves as a physical and symbolic transition between the bustling public streets and the intimate private apartments. This design decision not only enhances the building’s accessibility but also reinforces its role as a connector within the urban landscape.
A Secluded Oasis in the City
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Bach 4 building is the design of the penthouse apartment. Here, Bofill creates a secluded oasis amidst Barcelona’s urban density. The penthouse’s elaborate system of gardens, balconies, and terraces, complete with a swimming pool, offers a private sanctuary that contrasts sharply with the city’s vibrancy below. This interplay between seclusion and openness, between urbanity and nature, is a recurring theme in Bofill’s work and is executed with particular finesse in the Bach 4 building.
Bach 4 Apartment Building Plans
Bach 4 Apartment Building Image Gallery
About RBTA
Ricardo Bofill (1939–2022) was a renowned Spanish architect and founder of Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura (RBTA). Known for his innovative and visionary approach, Bofill’s work spans a wide range of scales and styles, from monumental urban projects to intricately designed residential buildings. His designs often blend traditional craftsmanship with modernist principles, reflecting a deep connection to his Catalan heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture. Notable among his works are his family summer house in Mont-ras, Girona, and the iconic La Muralla Roja in Calpe, which exemplify his distinctive approach to architecture.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Client: EBSA & Andreu
- Number of Floors: 7
- Number of Apartments: 21 rent-controlled apartments (M. Perez Cabrero Street side) + 12 luxury apartments + custom-designed penthouse (J.S. Bach Street side)
- Architectural Influence: Inspired by Antonio Gaudí
- Urban Context: Contributes to the definition of the circular Plaza Sant Gregorio Taumaturgo
- Bofill, Ricardo. Ricardo Bofill: Taller de Arquitectura. New York: Rizzoli, 1985.
- Ricardo Bofill: Visions of Architecture. Gestalten, Ricardo Bofill, Pablo Bofill
