The city of Barcelona award for architecture (1899-1930).

Abstract

In 1899 the Barcelona City Council awarded its first annual prize for the most architecturally impressive building in the city. As of 1902, an award was also presented to the best designed shops. The prizes were awarded annually (albeit with some interruptions) until 1930. Nearly sixty buildings and shops received the award, most of them during the central years of the Catalan Modernisme movement. In this study we review the list of winners and reflect on the relationship between the development of the competition and the major topics of architectural debate during the period.