Background Information
The Sagrada Família is an iconic symbol of Barcelona. It is a large Roman Catholic church designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, with construction beginning in 1882, and it is still ongoing! The unusual shape and elaborate design of the church has made it one of the most remarkable religious monuments in Europe. The church has received millions of visitors from all over the world, intrigued by the unique style of Gaudí and the history of the Sagrada Família.
Impact of the Design
The design of the Sagrada Família is quite unique, with its curved walls, which is a contrast to the straight lines and sharp angles that are commonly seen in both Baroque-style and Gothic architecture. This is attributed to Gaudí’s use of parabolic arches and hyperboloid structures, which created a unique design that can be seen throughout the church. As a result, the entire structure has an irregular, organic-looking shape. The most striking aspect of the church is the facade – with its intricate carvings, and elaborate designs and shapes, designed to tell the story of Jesus and the Virgin Mary through symbols.
History
Construction on the Sagrada Família started in 1882 by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, but was later taken over by Gaudí in 1883. Gaudí, who was already a renowned Catalan architect, was known for his distinct style of magmatic architecture. This was heavily influenced by nature, evidenced by the curves, parabolic shapes and symbolic imagery used in the Sagrada Família. Gaudí was determined to make changes to the original design and to add details and ornamentation to the interior and exterior. For over forty years, Gaudí worked on the church, creating his own masterpiece.
The Finishing Works
Since Gaudí died in 1926, the project of finishing the Sagrada Família has been left to other architects and experts. In 1979, an excavation of the original foundations were made to ensure that Gaudí original design was followed. In 2010, the site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, signifying the importance of Gaudí’s work. The finishing works are ongoing – with the original estimated completion date of 2026.
Future Plans
The future plans for the completion of the Sagrada Família include the construction of the 18 spires that are planned to adorn the top of the church. This will bring the total number of spires to 32, representing the twelve apostles, four evangelists, and the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Other plans include creating an interactive museum, allowing visitors to better understand Gaudí’s design, and creating a central crypt to house the remains of Gaudí himself.
Economic Impact
The Sagrada Família is a major tourist attraction in Barcelona and a key source of income for the region. The church receives over 4 million visitors every year, and it is estimated that the economic impact of tourism to the Sagrada Família is around €100 million per annum. It is a key source of income for the region, and helps to support the local economy.
Expert Views
Experts have long marvelled at the unique design of the Sagrada Família. Architect Rafael Moneo said that “Gaudí was a genius in the way he was able to create a church that was both modern and faithful to its traditional religious origins,” while Philip Johnson, the renowned architect and critic said “Gaudí’s work was a remarkable transformation of architectural language, in which form and ornament are unified and the structure takes precedence over decoration.”
Environmental Impact
The Sagrada Família has had a positive environmental impact in the Barcelona region. The use of locally sourced materials and innovative construction techniques has helped to reduce the environmental impact of the church. Gaudí also incorporated green spaces into the design of the church, creating a garden-like atmosphere that is inviting and calming to visitors.
Media Attention
The Sagrada Família has been featured in many books, news articles, and movies, amplifying its reach and influence. Movies such as ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘The Outsider’ featured the Sagrada Família, as well as numerous documentaries. In recent years, the church has also been featured prominently in virtual reality games and apps.
Modern Day Meaning
In the modern day, the Sagrada Família has become a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the power of creativity and imagination. It is a reminder of the importance of striving for excellence, and persevering even in the face of obstacles and challenges. The Sagrada Família is a unique piece of art and an inspiration to visitors from all over the world.
