In 1913 , the City Council awarded the architect a special prize for the best building in the annual competition of artistic buildings . It was a special award for outstanding work as the jury considered each building alone was worthy of an award . For this reason , instead of delivering the traditional recognition plaque was placed on the front , created one of the largest and most distinguished , designed by Manel Fuxŕ and Leal and was placed in the lobby to beginning of the staircase . Coincided with the third award received Domčnech i Montaner , after getting it for Lleó Morera House and Palau de la Música Catalana, and for this reason the City Council awarded him the gold medal of the institution