Use of ceramics as decorative architectural materials became popular in Spain in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Architects such as Velázquez used them in the style which came to be known as “Regionalist Architecture". Velázquez built the Palacio de Velázquez, which is named after him, in the Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid. This building, which was constructed for the Exposición Nacional de Minería, features ceramic tiles made by Daniel Zuloaga. The Palacio de Velazquez and the nearby Palacio de Cristal are influenced by London's Crystal Palace. Velázquez taught the Spanish architect Antonio Palacios who was influenced by his eclectic and modern style; it is sometimes called "emphatic eclecticism". His works are characterized by a resounding treatment of volume, as well as the use of ceramic decoration on building facades. He was a member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando along with Enrique María Repullés and Narciso Pascual Colomer. Most of his work was concentrated in Madrid, where he taught at the School of Architecture.
Archaeology and restoration
Velázquez, who from 1910 was the director of the Madrid school of architecture, also taught history of art. He was involved in archaeological and conservation projects, notably in the province of Córdoba, where he was assisted by the sculptorMateo Inurria who was Director of the arts school of Cordoba.
Archaeology
As an archaeologist, Ricardo Velázquez Basco was involved in the excavation of two Islamic heritage sites near Córdoba in 1910/11:
Madīnat az-Zahrā, a large medieval site built by the Umayyad Caliphs of Córdoba. This long-abandoned site had previously yielded finds, but Velázquez' work effectively represented its rediscovery.
Munyat al-Rummaniyya. This excavation revealed the remains of a country estate with four rectangular terraces, over a area, of size x. Although the terraces are still to be seen, with the masonry of a pool in the upper terrace, the remains of a house which were examined by Velazquez are not longer extant. After analyzing the materials used in this structure he interpreted the site as an almunia with a layout found also at Madinat al-Zehrá.
It has been suggested that there was a political motive for these excavations, as Spain was in the process of colonizing Morocco, a Muslim country; a process which culminated in 1912 when Spain and France made Morocco its “protectorate.”
Restoration
Velázquez undertook restoration/conservation works at the Cathedral–Mosque of Córdoba. The building had been declared a national monument in 1882; the works involved the reversal of accretions, for example, removing an altarpiece from the mihrab and a lean-to structure from the west façade. He worked on León Cathedral and the La Rábida Monastery.
Works
His most important works include the following buildings in Madrid:
