Overview of the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia, or the Conca de la Sagrada Familia as it is commonly known, is a large catholic basilica in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and construction first began in 1882. The Sagrada Familia is still unfinished today, though it is expected to be fully completed in 2026.
Measuring 172 meters in height, the Sagrada Familia is the tallest church in Barcelona and will become the tallest building in Europe upon its completion. The design of the building is said to be a combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau, with the incorporation of Gaudí’s signature style.
Construction Status
After 139 years, several of the works on the Sagrada Familia are almost complete. This includes the four towers of the Nativity Façade and the four apse towers. The fifth and final central tower, which will be dedicated to Jesus Christ, is expected to be completed by 2026.
The interior is expected to be finished by 2026 as well. This will include the building’s crypt, apse, ambulatory, choir and sacristy. A host of artisanal works such as plastering and painting are currently underway and should be completed by 2021.
Impact on Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia’s completion will have a positive effect on Barcelona’s economy. The presence of the basilica as a key tourist attraction will draw in more visitors and strengthen the city’s international tourism.
The Sagrada Familia’s completion will also positively affect the local art and architecture scene. The basilica’s planned interior enhancements will offer new opportunities for the artisans and art students of Barcelona.
Technological advancements
New advances in technology are being used in the construction of the Sagrada Familia. For instance, 3D printing is being employed to produce the building’s intricate artworks and sculptures. Lasers that measure the exact points and angles of the basilica’s shaped walls also contribute to its accuracy.
Computerised cranes and specialised tools such as diamond-cutters are used to aid the building’s construction and help to reduce manual labour. Further, computer-aided design (CAD) software is being used to monitor progress and detect any potential issues.
Funding for the Sagrada Familia
The construction of the Sagrada Familia has been funded mainly by private donations. An estimated 70 million euros has been collected from local, national and international benefactors. This money has gone towards paying for labour, materials and other associated costs.
In addition to funding from donations, the Sagrada Familia has generated income from its visitors. The basilica has been open to the public since 1879 and over the years, millions of tourists have visited it. This has contributed to the funding of the basilica’s construction.
Environmental Factors
The completion of the Sagrada Familia will also benefit the environment. The basilica has been built with a number of green features such as LED lighting and water saving features. This will help reduce its impact on the environment and conserving resources.
The completion of the Sagrada Familia will also reduce the number of construction vehicles entering the city, which decreases air pollution. Further, the basilica will incorporate several green spaces and landscaped areas, which provides further environmental benefits.
Architectural Possibilities
The completion of the Sagrada Familia will open up new possibilities for the city’s architecture. New inspiration from the building will encourage other architects to continue developing the city. Already, the construction of the basilica has served as a catalyst for urban renewal in areas surrounding it.
The completion of the Sagrada Familia could serve as an inspiration for similar projects around the world. The success of the basilica could motivate other countries and cities to embark on similar projects and create their own architectural landmarks.
Evocation of Spiritual Fascination
The completed Sagrada Familia will undoubtedly evoke spiritual fascination. Not only will it serve as a holy place of worship, but it will also be considered a marvel of architecture and art.
The basilica’s intricate design, unique style and extravagant decoration will give visitors an emotional experience. Furthermore, its vast size and stunning views of Barcelona will add to the experience, providing visitors with a sense of awe and reverence.
Conclusion
When finished, the Sagrada Familia will be the most impressive architectural landmark in Barcelona. Its completion will benefit the economy, environment, art and architecture. It will also raise the city’s status both domestically and internationally. Most of all, it will provide an unforgettable experience to everyone who visits.
