Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia stands as an architectural masterpiece, not just in Barcelona but on a global scale. Its uniqueness lies in Gaudí's innovative approach, merging Gothic and Art Nouveau styles while infusing his distinctive organic elements inspired by nature. After admiring the distant view of Sagrada Familia from the peak of Park Güell, we strolled back to the heart of the city to ensure we made it in time for our scheduled entry to the cathedral.
Gaudí as a contravertial architect
During our time in school, we delved into a comprehensive study of Sagrada Familia, the iconic architectural masterpiece that captivated our attention and provided a rich subject for in-depth analysis. We learned about Gaudí and his innovative approach, merging Gothic and Art Nouveau styles while infusing distinctive organic elements inspired by nature. Whether you appreciate Gaudí's distinctive style or not, there's no denying the controversy it stirs, rooted in his departure from conventional architectural norms. His innovative and experimental approach, coupled with deeply personal design choices, reflects the substantial time and resources he invested in his projects.
Nevertheless, it is one of the most impressive structures I have ever visited. The building pushes the boundaries of what architecture can do, experimenting with materials and techniques that were groundbreaking for Gaudí's era.
A forest of trees
Gaudí was inspired by nature, and his designs aimed to blend seamlessly with the natural world. This departure from the more rigid urban landscape of his time was seen by some as visionary, but others criticized it for being too radical and impractical.
The overall aesthetic of the interior is fluid and organic, mimicking the way nature evolves and grows. The curves, forms, and materials used, evoke a sense of being immersed in a natural landscape. The stained glass windows diffuse sunlight in distinctive ways, creating a play of light that mimics the natural interplay of light and shadow in nature.
The most impressive element of the building in my opinion are the columns inside the Sagrada Familia, that resemble a forest of trees, with branches and trunks spreading out and branching upwards to support the ceiling. This design mirrors the organic structure of trees, establishing a connection between the church and the natural world. Gaudí incorporated geometric forms inspired by nature, such as hyperbolic paraboloids, which resemble the shapes found in plants, waves, and even shells. These forms evoke a sense of organic growth and movement throughout the design.
A work in progress
One of the defining features of the Sagrada Familia are its towering spires that seem to reach towards the heavens, symbolizing deep religious themes. Gaudí envisioned 18 spires, each representing significant religious figures with the central spire dedicated to Jesus Christ. These spires, when completed, will make the Sagrada Familia the tallest religious structure in Europe.
What adds to the Sagrada Familia's mystique is its ongoing construction, even decades after Gaudí's passing. The project was originally initiated in 1882, and Gaudí dedicated a significant portion of his life to this endeavor until his death in 1926. He understood that the Sagrada Familia was a monumental undertaking that would span generations. Gaudí left behind detailed plans and models, allowing subsequent architects and artisans to continue his work, in line with his visionary design.
The essence of Gaudí's design philosophy for the Sagrada Familia lies in the belief that the project should evolve and adapt with time, incorporating contemporary techniques and artistic styles. He envisioned the construction to be a testament to faith and perseverance, encouraging a sense of community involvement over time. Each year, the Sagrada Familia inches closer to completion, a tribute to Gaudí's unwavering dedication, turning his architectural vision into a tangible reality.
Underground museum
After you've finished walking through the church, you will exit out the back and decend into an underground museum. The museum was also one of my favourite parts of my visit because it gave me a fascinating insight into the history, design, and construction of this iconic cathedral.
Other than a background into the design concepts and intended architectural styles, the museum explores Gaudí's vision behind the symbolism woven into the cathedral's design as well as his inspiration from nature. The museum also offers a glimpse into the construction process, showcasing the various stages of construction and the challenges faced over the decades.
This construction process is displayed through an extensive collection of plaster models, showcasing different phases of the Sagrada Familia's design and construction. With an extensive background in architecture, it's fascinating to observe intricately detailed plaster models depicting various sections of the church. In architecture offices, the prevalent method for modeling and prototyping often involves the utilization of resin or plastic 3D printers. The use of plaster in this case though, allows for the creation of extremely precise replicas, that highlight all of the cathedral's intricacies up close. The detailed models are meticulously crafted to scale, and they help you visualize how the building has evolved throughout time.
