Background
La Sagrada Família is an iconic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and begun in 1882. The structure is built in the style of Catalonian Art Nouveau and is still under construction, over 100 years after its initial commencement. The cathedral is easily Gaudí’s most famous and recognizable work, with its undulating spires and colourful mosaic façade. While the basilica was originally scheduled for completion in 2026, it has experienced significant delays and some experts have suggested that it may not be completed in time.
Construction History
The initial plan for La Sagrada Família was created by Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano. Gaudí had been invited to work on the project shortly afterwards and completed a new master plan for the basilica, transforming it into a structure built in the modernist style. Construction on the building began in 1882 and Gaudí stayed on the project from 1883 until his death in 1926. In the decades following Gaudí’s passing, several architects have assumed the role of ‘Chief Architect’, with Jordi Bonet i Armengol being the most recent in 2000.
Financing
La Sagrada Família is a UNESCO Heritage Site and a cultural monument of great national importance, but the continued construction of the cathedral relies heavily on donations from individuals, businesses and other private-sector initiatives. In 2018, the Friends of the Sagrada Família foundation revealed that they had collected over €81 million in donations during the past 18 years.
Current State
The current state of the basilica is impressive: a number of the spires have been completed, along with several of the interior spaces, most of which have been encased in ornate mosaics. Additionally, the structural foundations are largely complete, but certain essential elements remain unfinished, including several remaining spires and the intricate façade.
The Question of Completion
In the face of rising costs the project has encountered a number of delays and some experts have suggested that the scheduled completion date of 2026 may be overly optimistic. While the Directors of the basilica maintain that they are working as hard as possible to finish the basilica as soon as possible, recent estimates, based on the pace of work over the last several decades, have pushed the likely completion back to at least 2032.
Political Pressure
The long-running and expensive project has come under pressure from the Spanish government, which has ordered a review of the basilica’s finances with the aim of cutting costs and speeding up completion times. The review is due to be completed and made public in 2021, and it is not yet clear what the outcome of this review will be or how it will affect the completion date for the iconic cathedral.
Impact on the Barcelona Community
For the citizens of Barcelona and the wider Catalonia region, La Sagrada Família is a meaningful symbol and a source of national pride. Its importance and symbolism cannot be overstated and it is expected to attract millions of visitors every year once it is finished. For this reason, locals are eager to see the project finished and are supportive of any efforts to expedite the process.
What Does the Future Hold?
The future of La Sagrada Família remains uncertain, at least in terms of the completion date. Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece has captivated generations of onlookers and the ongoing construction efforts are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for serious engineering feats.
Will the Deadline be Met?
As the scheduled completion date of 2026 draws nearer, many are beginning to question whether it is realistic for the current construction efforts to be finished in time. Experts have suggested that the project may take until at least 2032, with some estimates predicting even more delays.
Political Influence
The Spanish government’s decision to conduct a review of the basilica’s finances, and the likely impact this will have on the completion timeline, stands to be one of the most pervasive factors in the future of La Sagrada Família. The review could potentially expedite completion time or it could lead to further delays and obstacles.
Factors Affecting Funding
The continued financing of La Sagrada Família also has an impact on the completion timeline. While donations to the Friends of the Sagrada Família foundation have been generous, it is not certain whether or not the funds will be sufficient to cover all remaining costs associated with the project.
The Role of Technology
Technology has been increasingly leveraged in support of the project in recent years. Through the use of computer-aided design tools, it is possible to simulate the structures being built, as well as to plan and track the progress of construction. The use of such tools could prove instrumental in expediting the completion of certain parts of the project as well as facilitating cost-efficiency.
Skill Sharing
The skilled craftsmanship which is required to complete La Sagrada Família has largely been passed down through generations of artisans. This has enabled the continued progress of the project while preserving the unique aesthetic of the structure. The sharing of skills between generations is likely to be an important factor in the project’s future.
Rethinking Constructive Methods
In recent decades, there has been a focus on more efficient and cost-effective construction methods. This could prove beneficial to the project, allowing for the completion of certain elements more quickly and for a lesser cost.
The Project’s Legacy
Regardless of when it is finished, La Sagrada Família will become an integral part of Barcelona’s long and storied history. While the completion timeline remains up in the air, the project’s tremendous cultural significance and significance to the region will remain long after the building’s doors are finally opened.
