Field Trip #2: The Raval area and Shipyards

When beginning our field study, we went to the Raval area. This picture below shows an image of the entire city reflected on the glass building. Not very many tourists know about this building, but it truly is a site to see. When the sun reflects on the building, the image is even more pronounce. It's  amazing that an architecture designed a building where you can see the entire city of Barcelona at one time.

During our field study to the Royal Shipyards, we passed through several other areas of Barcelona; one area being the site of Antoni Gaudi's death.He was hit by a tram at the corner of  Carrer de Bailén and the Gran Vía. He was dressed like a poor man, so people didn't recognize him and taxi drivers refused to take him to the hospital because they didn't think he could pay the cab fare. A few days later, he died. Gaudi's life has helped shape Catalan Culture and the way people perceive it. He created numerous works of art in the city of Barcelona. When visitors come to Barcelona, they want to see Gaudi's work, such as Parc Güell and Sagrada Familia, which both represent the importance of catalan culture during the modernisme period. His work is also displayed throughout the entire city of Barcelona on the façades of homes and buildinds. Below is a picture of a plaque, where Gaudi's death occurred.

After our trip through the Raval area, we made it to the Royal Shipyards of Barcelona, which are a huge importance to Barcelona culture. The shipyards enabled the largest expansion of Barcelona. The shipyards were very important during the Crown of Aragon. Ships were built, repaired, and maintained in the shipyards. The shipyards also opened up ports that enabled trade with other Meditteranean cultures. During periods of war, growth, and trade, the shipyards allowed for one of the biggest expansions in the Catalan community.