Introduction
The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain that is currently under construction. It has been in a state of construction for about 130 years, and it is hoped it will eventually be in full operation by 2026. This does lead to many questions about why the Sagrada Familia is taking so long to build. The answers to this question are complex, and involve the history, cultural significance, and the length of construction process itself.
History
The Sagrada Familia was first started in 1882 by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. Villar was known for his devotion to the Roman Catholic faith, and felt passionately about the effort to build a grand church for the religion. However, he would leave the operation soon after due to a dispute with the original museum committee. Antoni Gaudi took over as the chief architect from 1883 onwards, and his style and vision would shape the Sagrada Familia into what it is today. Gaudi dedicated the remaining forty years of his life to this project, and even after his death in 1926, construction was still ongoing.
Cultural Significance
The Sagrada Familia has been praised for its artistic and architectural splendour, and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its prominence in Catalonia and other areas of Spain. Its design is symbolic of the traditional Christian church, but with a unique Gaudi spin that makes it a representation of Catalonia’s unique culture. The Sagrada Familia also has a spiritual significance and is seen as an opportunity to bring people closer to their faith. To some, it is a dream project that has been in development for over a century, and its construction has taken on a symbolic reverential nature.
Length of Construction Process
The construction process itself is quite complex, and often laborious. One of the main factors contributing to the length of the construction is the dedication to traditional craftsmanship. Gaudi insisted that everything be done by hand, using skills that were commonly used in the 19th century to continue his vision for the Sagrada Familia. This process takes longer than industrial methods and even the technology available today. In addition, funding is a large factor in how quickly a building of this magnitude can be completed. Insurance, labor, and material costs all add up and can contribute to construction delays.
Politics and Civil War
The Spanish Civil War also contributed heavily to the length of the construction process. The war not only put a strain on resources, but also on the motivation behind the project, as the people of Barcelona were focused on survival. In addition, the church was used at times to store food, clothing and weaponry. Even after the war, funding was still in short supply, and construction could only be done at a slow pace.
Modern Day Contributors
Today, the Sagrada Familia is mainly funded through donations from sponsors and tourists, as well as from government subsidies. Private initiatives and foundations also provide contributions, and there are volunteers who contribute to the building process. In addition, the president of the Basílica committee employs a team of experts who provide their knowledge and skill to the building effort.
Futuristic Technology
The Basílica committee has also embraced modern technology, and has used methods such as 3D printing, robotics, and advanced computer aided design tools to help complete the Sagrada Familia faster. They are also looking into hi-tech methods such as augmented reality and virtual reality applications to aid in the design and construction process. These advanced techniques have helped to speed up the construction of certain parts, but there is still a lot of manual labour involved.
Timeframe
As of 2021, construction is still progressing, and it is thought that the Sagrada Familia will be completed by 2026. That said, some experts believe that this timeline might be overly ambitious, and that the project may take several more years to finish. The completion of the Sagrada Familia is an important milestone for Catalonia, and its completion will mark a proud moment for the region.
Costs and Challenges
The overall cost of the Sagrada Familia is estimated to be around € 180 million, and this number is still rising. There are also still many technical and logistical challenges involved in the construction process. A team of experts has been formed that is dedicated to solving these issues, but the magnitude of this project means that there is still a lot of effort required before completion.
Conclusion
The Sagrada Familia has been in construction for over 130 years, and there are many factors that have contributed to this lengthy timeline. Political events and lack of funding have both played a role, but it is also in part due to the dedication to traditional craftsmanship that is involved in its completion. The project is expected to be done by 2026, and its completion will be a momentous event for the region and its people.