The Vision and Beginnings:
The construction of the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família began in 1882 and remains ongoing, with a projected completion date in 2026. This landmark is a prime example of Catalan Modernisme, attracting over three million visitors each year. Architect Antoni Gaudí took over as lead architect in 1883, introducing innovative designs that deviated from traditional Gothic elements. While maintaining the Latin cross layout established by the original architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar, Gaudí introduced angled columns and hyperboloidal vaults, eliminating the need for flying buttresses and allowing the internal columns to handle horizontal loads.
Artistic Innovations and Symbolism:
Gaudí created plaster models to shape the design, including a 1:10 scale version of the main nave. He employed a unique system using strings and weights to determine the precise angles for the columns, vaults, and arches, which are evident in the slanted columns of the Passion facade. Throughout La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí infused religious symbolism, designing three notable facades: Glory, Nativity, and Passion. The facades contain intricate details, with the Nativity facade reflecting Gaudí’s close supervision and the Passion facade showcasing the work of Josep Maria Subirachs.
Structural Marvel and Modern Developments:
The central nave reaches 45 meters in height, resembling a forest with colorful piers made from Montjuïc and granite. Upon completion, La Sagrada Familia will feature eighteen towers, including four bell towers symbolizing the Apostles and a central tower representing Christ at 72 meters. Even as construction continues, existing sections are undergoing restoration, relying on private donations and facing delays due to funding shortages, particularly during the Spanish Civil War. Recent advances in digital design and construction have been embraced, using software like Rhinoceros and 3-D printing to visualize and expedite the project, along with a digitally rendered video that illustrates its anticipated appearance upon completion.
Related Stories:
- https://www.archdaily.com/438992/ad-classics-la-sagrada-familia-antoni-gaudi
- https://sagradafamilia.org/en/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187497-d190166-Reviews-Basilica_de_la_Sagrada_Familia-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
- https://www.casabatllo.es/en/antoni-gaudi/sagrada-familia/
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sagrada-Familia
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