Carles Buïgas facts for kids
Carles Buïgas i Sans was a talented Catalan architect, engineer, inventor, and writer. He was born in Barcelona on January 18, 1898. He passed away in Cerdanyola del Vallès on August 27, 1979.
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A Life of Creativity and Innovation
Carles Buïgas grew up in an educated family in Barcelona. His father, Gaietà Buïgas, was also an architect. When Carles was seven, his family moved to Montevideo, Uruguay. They returned to Barcelona in 1910.
In 1916, he started studying at the School of Industrial Engineers in Barcelona. He didn't finish his degree there. Instead, he began working as an assistant for the Exhibition of Electrical Industries. Later, he continued his studies in Paris at the École de Civil Génie.
The Art of Water and Light
In 1922, Buïgas designed his first project with illuminated water fountains. These were for the Royal Palace of Pedralbes. A famous writer, Eugenio d'Ors, called his work a new art style: the art of agualuz, meaning "water-light."
His most famous creation is the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. He built this amazing fountain for the International Exposition in Barcelona in 1929. It combines water, light, and music in a spectacular show.
International Projects and Inventions
During the Spanish Civil War, Carles Buïgas moved to Paris. He lived there until 1942. During these years, he became famous around the world. He received many important jobs for international exhibitions. These included shows in Paris (1937), Liege (1939), and Expo 58 at Brussels.
In 1955, he designed the "Teatro del Aqua y Luz" (Theater of Water and Light). This was for the international fair in Santo Domingo.
Buïgas was also a clever inventor. He designed many different devices. These included a special seaplane that could drop torpedoes in 1914. In 1922, he created a machine to recover sea sand for building. He also designed a small, one-person midget submarine in 1932. From 1931 to 1933, he worked on a remote-controlled torpedo guided by sound waves.
Besides his architectural work, Buïgas also wrote for magazines. He published several books. He spent the last years of his life in Cerdanyola del Vallès. He passed away there and is buried in the town.
Notable Works and Creations
Here are some of Carles Buïgas's most famous projects:
- Magic Fountain, Montjuic, Barcelona
- Teleférico del puerto (Port Cable Car), Barcelona
- Fountain, Barcelona Airport, Barcelona
- Illumination (lighting), Sagrada Família, Barcelona
- Teatro del Aqua y Luz (Theater of Water and Light), Santo Domingo
- A copy of the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, Salou
Books Written by Carles Buïgas
Carles Buïgas was also an author. He wrote many books, sharing his ideas and experiences:
- 1943 - Bajo las constelaciones (Under the Constellations)
- 1946 - El hombre entre enigmas y prodigios (Man Among Enigmas and Wonders)
- 1960 - La Nave Luminosa (The Luminous Ship)
- 1966 - El teatre integral amb escenari d'Aigua-Llum-Música (The Integral Theater with Water-Light-Music Stage)
- 1973 - Viajes interplanetarios y algo más (Interplanetary Journeys and Something More)
- 1973 - Hechos, ideas y proyectos (Facts, Ideas, and Projects)
- 1975 - La extraordinaria aventura (The Extraordinary Adventure)
- 1975 - La gran revolución (The Great Revolution)
- 1976 - El día 41 (Day 41)
See also
In Spanish: Carles Buïgas para niños
