The construction of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is set to be completed in 2026. Located in Barcelona, Spain, the church is Antoni Gaudi’s magnum opus, a jewel in the city’s crown. However, in a project spanning over 140 years, it’s no wonder that many are asking when the construction of La Sagrada Familia will be completed and the project realized.
According to one source, La Sagrada Familia construction is set for completion in 2026. The project is a combination of the original design architect Antoni Gaudi and current architects Juan Bautista Subirachs and Mark Burges, who have been designing and building additions to the church since Gaudi passed away in 1926. They consulted Gaudi’s sketches and plans in order to finish the project with his original intentions in mind. This means that all of the work is done without compromising its original character.
This gigantic project requires a significant budget and our understanding is that the project requires around 25 Euro million in annual expenditure. Most of this funding for the project is provided by private donations, notably from Spain’s top billionaire families. Through their generosity an army of contractors, engineers and technicians have been dedicated to getting the job done in completing the church in time for 2026.
However, an architectural project as grand as La Sagrada Familia is not without risk. Mother Nature is one of the biggest risks to construction projects, and La Sagrada Familia is no exception. Intense storms, winds, and earthquakes pose potential risks to the safety of the structure, although the architects and engineers behind La Sagrada Familia are doing their best to ensure it is as resistant as possible to any potential safety hazards.
Moreover, as the construction project progresses, there is increasing scrutiny and regulation from local authorities. In 2018, Barcelona’s Council of Public spaces and landscape asked the architects to improve access to the church and to address numerous urban plans that the project still has to meet.
Ultimately, no matter the obstacles, changes or regulations that potentially stand in the way of La Sagrada Familia’s completion, it will remain a symbol in the heart of Barcelona for centuries. Its completion will mark one of the most remarkable architectural projects of all time.
Public Opinion
The construction of La Sagrada Familia is a milestone for Spain, as well as for the world, and it is no surprise that public opinion has been divided and passionate. La Sagrada Familia has become synonymous with Barcelona and many Reus residents are keen to see the project completed. On social media, the project is discussed widely, with many wanting the construction to be finished as soon as possible.
However, some deem the project to be overhyped and worry that the delays caused by matters such as regulation and private donations are signs that the project may be taking too long. These concerns do not bear fruit with La Sagrada Familia, however, as the construction is almost all funded by private donors. Furthermore, with a completion date now set for 2026, it is clear that officials are doing all they can to keep the project on schedule.
The Impact of the Project’s Delay
The long duration of the project has caused some concern that construction could become pricier and wasteful. In today’s society, where expectations are that most construction projects should take 3-5 years, any project that lasts over a decade can suffer from a lack of public confidence in its success.
Nevertheless, the construction of La Sagrada Familia is taking place with a greater degree of caution than any other project in the city, as evidenced by the careful attention being paid to the church’s architectural design and its resistance to the environment and safety hazards. While a construction project as monumental as La Sagrada Familia is prone to delays, these are comforted as an assurance of quality and safety.
Adapting the Project for Modern Times
Organizations such as La Sagrada Familia and local authorities have to keep pace with modern construction projects, and in 2018 it was the local authorities that demanded that La Sagrada Familia improve its access and fulfill modern urban plans. Architects and engineers responded by making the accessibility of the church more efficient by designing new walkways and steps. Additionally, as the technology to build this structure became more sophisticated and advanced over the years, architects and engineers also paid attention and updated their designs accordingly.
Changes weren’t solely limited to technical changes either, as local authorities wanted the project to be respectful of its environment. The architects of La Sagrada Familia devised an ambitious plan to manage the carbon footprint of the construction by using solar power, which has since become an example of how ambitious and successful ‘green’ projects can be.
Impact for the Future
When La Sagrada Familia is finished in 2026, it will offer the city of Barcelona and its citizens a grand example of 21st century architecture and construction. It will also bring the long and intriguing history of the church to a positive conclusion, and from then onwards, the church will remain a wondrous icon of the city for decades to come.
La Sagrada Familia will also offer a template for sustainable architecture, something which is becoming increasingly valuable in modern society. As well as providing access to the church, La Sagrada Familia’s ambitious green projects will provide valuable insight and tangible benefits to the modern green movement.
Conclusion
La Sagrada Familia is still a beacon of hope for the citizens of Barcelona, albeit after a long wait. The project is nearly nearing completion and its impact for the world of architecture and sustainability will be grand. Beyond simply a stunning example of building design, La Sagrada Familia will provide a blueprint on how ambitious engineering and visionary architecture can help to change the environment positively.
