The absolute one: JOSEP LLUIS SERT
I want to talk about one of our sources of inspiration with which in Best Ibiza as lovers of authenticity and author houses we connect perfectly, the great Josep Lluís Sert (Barcelona, 1902-1983), one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century and an indelible mark on the island of Ibiza.
His fascination for the island began in the 1930s, when he discovered its local architecture, uncontaminated, efficient, with a beauty of simple and minimalist forms, characterized by the importance of lighting, orientation, simple volumes, white cubic dwellings, functional and cross ventilation keeping the rooms cool in summer and avoiding humidity in winter. It was an architecture without architects or plans, built by the farmers themselves, born with the materials provided by the land and, far from altering the landscape, it blends in with it.
First Project on the Island
Despite having dreamed of various projects in Ibiza since the 1930s, his first tangible work was the Casa Sert in Dalt Vila, built in 1960. This building embodies his architectural vision, where functionality and aesthetics intertwine to create a space in harmony with its surroundings. Throughout his life, Sert also designed homes for friends such as Gomis, Jutta and Zao-Wo-Ki, as well as for his younger brother.
Cap Pep Simó: Tradition, balance and harmony
Built between 1964 and 1969, the six houses of Can Pep Simó were designed not only for the architect Sert and his family, but also for his closest friends. This residential complex, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2009, stands out for its use of the “modulor”, a system of proportions devised by Le Corbusier that seeks to achieve balance and harmony between the human being and the built space.
One of the most distinctive features of this design is the prohibition of walls or fences between the dwellings, which helps to create a homogeneous appearance in the complex. This decision reflects Sert’s philosophy of promoting coexistence and harmony with the environment, prioritizing functionality and aesthetics in the composition of space.
A Legacy in Crisis
Sert did not remain oblivious to the drastic changes that Ibiza experienced. In the 1960s, he raised his voice against the dangers of “mixtification” and the destruction of the landscape. His fears materialized with the rise of tourism, which transformed the island and led to the oblivion of its traditional architecture. Ibicencan homes became mere vestiges, while the essence of the island faded into urban chaos.
Warnings ignored
Despite his warnings and writings in defense of popular architecture, Sert witnessed his beloved Ibiza becoming a symbol of luxury and ostentation. His desire to rest in a modest dry stone wall on the island reflects the deep connection he had with this place. Today, his architectural legacy faces serious threats due to lack of protection and indifference to conservation.
A New Biography
The recent publication of “Ser(t) arquitecto” by @María del Mar Arnús de Urruela offers an intimate and professional perspective on Sert. This book highlights the relevance of Ibiza in his work and how his teachings on local architecture influenced international projects. It is a reminder of Sert’s lasting impact on modern architecture and his unwavering love for the island.
Final Reflections
The figure of Josep Lluís Sert deserves to be valued and preserved. His legacy transcends his constructions; it lies in the architectural philosophy he promoted: a deep respect for the environment and a search for beauty in simplicity. As Ibiza continues to evolve, it is crucial to remember Sert’s lessons and strive to preserve the essence that made the island unique. His eternal rest in the cemetery of Jesús, next to his wife Moncha, symbolizes his unbreakable connection to this Mediterranean paradise, where his legacy lives on in every corner.
Sources and Photogaphies:
Royal Academy of History
Ibiza Newspaper
Noudari
Sert School
Joan Miró Foundation
DHub
Metalocusl
Ibiza Newspaper
Joaquim Gomis
Javier Perez Pla
