Historical Background
The Sagrada Familia is a giant Roman Catholic basilica located in Barcelona, Spain. It is the work of Barcelona-born Antoni Gaudí, and is currently under construction, with the main towers being added towards the end of the project. The initial designs were drawn up in 1882, and construction began in 1883. Over the years, the project has been further developed and adapted, and it’s estimated to be completed in 2026. Over the years, this project has become one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist hotspots and architectural gems.
The Main Tower
The most prominent and impressive feature of the Sagrada Familia is its main tower. The main tower is located in the centre of the basilica and is scheduled to be completed in 2026. The overall height of the tower is intended to be 157 metres and it is planned to be the tallest church in the world.
There are several tower designs for the Sagrada Familia, each one with its own unique features and intricacies. In the early days of the project, four towers were planned for the basilica. These were intended to represent the four apostles: Saint Peter and Saint Paul at the main entrance, overlooking the nave; Saint James on the left side; and Saint Andrew at the back.
As the project progressed, a fifth tower became a viable option. This tower has been called ‘the Tower of Mary’ and, if built, it will represent all women. The complex and controversial decision of which tower should be added has been met with support and opposition in equal measure.
Designs
The Tower of Mary is planned to be the tallest of all the towers, with a grand height of 170 metres. This design is a fusion of both Gaudí’s style and modern elements such as the use of steel and glass. It also proposes the addition of a spectacular observation deck offering a 360-degree view of Barcelona. The deck would also be equipped with a plethora of video and photography equipment, allowing visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stunning views of the cityscape.
The other tower designs are primarily inspired by Gaudí’s beliefs and art style. For example, the Tower of Jesus is based on his geometric style, and is composed of several hexagons, pentagons and other shapes interwoven together to form a brightly coloured and complex structure. The Tower of Steven is inspired by his passion for art and nature, and is composed of many floral and natural shapes. Lastly, the Tower of Anna is a representation of Gaudí’s love of curves and creative use of space and light.
Community Impact
The addition of a new tower could have a profound impact on the local community. Many locals support the idea of ‘The Tower of Mary’, as it could bring in much-needed tourism, generate jobs for builders and tradespeople, and bring about a sense of pride in the neighbourhood.
However, there has also been much opposition. Many people argue that the cost of building such a tower could exceed the economic benefits, and there are also concerns over the impacts it could have on the city’s infrastructure. Furthermore, some are worried about the potential impact on their view and the risk of any disruption during the construction process.
Financial Impact
The cost of the tower is estimated to be around €20 million, or the equivalent of €20,000 per metre. This is an exceptionally large sum and could have a major impact on the local economy. If the tower is built, it will not just generate jobs but it could also attract more tourists, as well as bringing in large amounts of money through entrance fees, merchandise and concession stands.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Many argue that the financial burden could be too much in the long run and that it might be better to invest in other projects in the city. Furthermore, there is a risk of misused funds, especially if the project is not carefully managed and monitored.
Environmental Impact
The new tower could have a major impact on the environment. On one hand, it could help improve the energy efficiency of the area by utilizing green energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power. However, on the other hand, there are concerns over the potential disruption to wildlife, pollution and noise levels caused by the construction process.
Political Impact
The proposed tower could have a huge political impact on Barcelona. It could bring about increased tourism and jobs, as well as a sense of pride in the local community. On the other hand, it could cause tension between those who believe it should be built and those who oppose it.
This topic has become a major political issue in Barcelona and the debate is ongoing. Local, regional and national governments have all put forward their perspectives. However, the final decision will ultimately depend on the public and other stakeholders.
Social Impact
Social impacts are often overlooked when discussing the potential construction of this tower. It has the potential to have a huge effect on the lives of local people, from the short-term effects of noise and disruption during the construction process, to the long-term impact of increased tourism and a sense of local pride.
Furthermore, the addition of a new tower could bring a huge influx of tourists to the city which, if not managed correctly, could lead to overcrowding and the potential exploitation of locals. This could have a dramatic and negative impact on the city’s famous cultural identity.
Organizational Impact
The construction of the new tower would involve a huge amount of organization and coordination. This could potentially be a major headache for city planning departments and other government bodies responsible for managing such projects. From coordinating the different teams working on the project to outlining the legal framework for building such a tower, the process of planning the project could be incredibly complex and time consuming.
Conclusion
The question of which tower should be added to the Sagrada Familia is a complex one with numerous considerations to take into account. It is clear that the decision of which tower should be added will have a huge impact on the city of Barcelona in terms of economic, environmental, political, social and organizational aspects. Therefore, it is vitally important that the public and other decision-makers carefully weigh up all of these factors before coming to a final decision.
