Barcelona Illuminated: Witnessing Arborescent at Casa Batlló
Experiencing Quayola’s breathtaking mapping show on one of the city’s most iconic façades
Last night, I stood on Passeig de Gràcia, right in front of Casa Batlló, as the first show of Arborescent lit up the façade. The street had been closed to traffic, transformed into a massive open-air gathering space filled with eager spectators. The crowd was enormous—locals, tourists, families, and photographers, all waiting to see how Quayola’s digital art would merge with one of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings.
The weather was perfect. A mild evening, with clear skies, and just a hint of crispness in the air—the kind of night that makes you want to stay out longer than planned. As the clock hit 19:45, the first projections began to appear, and for a brief moment, the chatter of the crowd faded into silence.
A Living, Breathing Façade
I’ve seen Casa Batlló countless times, but never like this. Under Quayola’s vision, the building transformed into a growing, shifting forest of light. The digital trees, generated by complex algorithms, seemed to sprout and expand, merging with Gaudí’s already organic forms. It felt as if the façade had come alive, pulsing with movement, breathing in time with the city itself.
I was completely absorbed. The details, the textures, and the way the projections interacted with the architecture were mesmerizing. And I wasn’t alone. The crowd barely moved, everyone fixed on the shifting patterns, some filming on their phones, others just standing still, taking it all in. The experience was immersive in a way that video can’t capture.
An Unforgettable First Show
Being at the first showing felt special. There was an energy in the air, the excitement of seeing something new unfold in real time. As the final moments of the projection faded, a wave of applause rippled through the crowd. Some people started to leave, while others stayed put, ready to watch the next one.
I walked away with a sense of wonder, reminded once again why I love this city. Barcelona is constantly reinventing itself, layering history with innovation. Gaudí’s Casa Batlló has stood for over a century, yet last night, it felt brand new—reimagined through the lens of technology, transformed by light and movement.
It was a night to remember. And with several more shows lined up, I can only imagine how many more people will be left in awe before Arborescent disappears into memory.
“reinventing itself, layering history with innovation” This is what I love about many European countries. Here, in the States, we destroy history and build new over it…
Thank you for these wonderful photos. I could feel the energy.
Stunning