The building, known as Casa Fajol and listed as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest (BCIL), has been the subject of a study prepared by Blanca Pascual, a graduate of the University of Barcelona. The report, gathered by ACN, emphasizes that the damage is "concerning" and directly affects the integrity of the heritage.
The Sindicat d'Habitatge Socialista de Catalunya has reported that the damage has occurred since the start of construction work for 'colivings' in the property. Vibrations generated by these works have caused cracks on the reverse side of the butterfly-shaped crowning, one of the most distinctive elements of the modernista building from 1912.
“"These cracks could be detrimental to the ceramic trencadís of the crowning, to the sgraffiti of the wainscoting, and to the original paintings on the ceiling of the lobby."
In addition to the cracks, the report points out other alterations. On the first floor, one of the original doors, a modernista wooden piece with gilded metallic elements protected by the municipal heritage catalog, has been replaced by a metal security door. This action could constitute a serious infringement of the Catalan Cultural Heritage Law of 1993, which requires the preservation of listed assets and prior approval from the Department of Culture for any permanent modification.
The study's author urges the administrations, specifically the Barcelona City Council and the Eixample District, to increase supervision over the Papallona Block and to conduct an urgent technical evaluation. The objective is to determine the actual state of the decorative elements and prevent future infringements or damage to cultural heritage.
