The Long Wait
The construction of the famous and universally lauded Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is an ongoing endeavor. For more than a century, tools, technology and workers at the site have been crafting this iconic basilica that is a tribute to Gothic architecture. Created by the artistic genius of Antoni Gaudi, the colorful and structural display changes day after day as masonry, stones, and towers keep emerging from the worksite, signaling the completion of what will be the most famous building in Barcelona. The question on everyone’s minds is when can we expect the Sagrada Familia to be completed?
What is the timeline?
Undoubtedly, the work being put in by the team is huge. The expectation is that if all progresses as planned, the exterior of the project will be done by 2026 – 130 years after the commencement of the iconic basilica by Gaudi. Two years later, the interior fixtures and furnishings will likely be completed in 2028.
What if the Project Delays?
The reality is that there have been considerable delays in the original timeline. Everything was on track as far back as 2011 and the work on the façade was expected to be complete by 2026. However, due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the project has been losing momentum and a possible delay of two more years has been anticipated.
What Could be the Reason Behind the Delay?
The pandemic has caused a lot of disruption with international travel and movement, meaning that the remote and international workforce involved in the completion of this project must show more caution when moving across borders. Unfortunately, the pandemic does not only present delays due to logistical issues. Economic effects of the pandemic have resulted in a decrease in the budget for the completion of the basilica as many sponsors and donors redirect their funds towards more pressing healthcare and financial needs.
What Could be Done to Mitigate the Delay?
Fortunately, there are steps that the concerned parties can take to help ensure that the project does not face delays and does not present changes to the expected completion timeline. These include the continued donation from sponsors, and the use of digital solutions and supportive devices that will help the task remain durable in the face of the pandemic. Moreover, there is also the investment of more finances and resources into the project with the local government showing more interest in helping the team with the cause.
Crowdfunding Approach
To help make up for the losses due to the pandemic, the cause has started utilizing a crowdfunding approach to acquire necessary funds for the completion of the project. Several donations and sponsorships have been taken up to save this iconic building from further delays.
Addressing the Unforeseen
The team at the Sagrada Familia has, however, shown quick reflexes in exchange for the delays and is taking all necessary steps to complete the project at the earliest. It is evident that since Gaudi left, the Sagrada Familia has seen its share of renovation and renovation delays. Still, the team is optimistic about meeting the new (or old) timeline and expects to have the project ready by the start of 2028, if not earlier.
Digital Solutions for Work Continuity
The pandemic has forced the team to bring on new solutions and technologies to aid in the construction effort. Several 3D imaging solutions have been deployed to help with remote collaboration as well as expedite certain tasks. Computer-aided design solutions are being used to model certain components of the basilica, while automation and AI-based technology are helping to scale up the process and make some of the more challenging tasks much more efficient.
Intricate Details in Craftsmanship
The task of constructing the dome and the central towers of the piece is one of the most important and intricate tasks in the entire project. Required to be completed with precision and traditional handcraftsmanship, the cranes and tools needed for the task are kept nearby for any need of installation. Moreover, the central towers of the basilica are anticipated to have a total of 18 components each, including the 2 exterior spiers, forming a total of 540 components to be completed.
Project Reflects Barcelona’s Identity
The project enjoys a wide support from the locals in around the city, as it is seen as a reflection of the city’s identity and a representation of the entire Catalan cultural image. The high number of donors, sponsors, and volunteers all around the city are often asked to contribute time and physical elements in the completion of the building which acts as an inspiration for the team on the site.
Private vs. Public Partnerships
The complexity of the project outweighs the capacity of any sole entity to complete the project. As a consequence, a number of both public and private entities have come together to bridge the resources gap and aid the completion. The mix of public and private investment has allowed for a unique situation where both sides can reach out for resources and expedite tasks for the common benefit of completion.
Constructing a Painstakingly Detailed Monument
The task of completion of the Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly a monumental feat. Completion of the project is of utmost importance to the Barcelona culture, as it holds a special place in the city’s identity. It is expected that the team behind the completion of the Sagrada Familia will show quick reflexes in exchange for the delays and will be taking all necessary steps to complete the project by the start of 2028. The construction of the basilica is an endeavor undertaken with painstaking detail and dedication, and with Gaudi’s lasting legacy in mind.
