Legend has it that Joseph Bocabella, who initiated the construction of Barcelona’s iconic church, had a dream in which he saw a man with ginger hair. The next day, upon encountering Antoni Gaud? in another architect’s studio, Bocabella decided that Gaud? would be the one to design the church. While the actual story might be less dramatic, this initiative, begun in the 1880s, is finally nearing completion after 144 years. The Sagrada Familia will mark a significant milestone in architectural history.

Officials have confirmed the completion to be around 2026, marking the end of its main structural elements. Additional work on secondary features is expected to continue for another decade. 

However, locals remain sceptical about witnessing its completion anytime soon, given the numerous delays the project has faced throughout its history. One of Spain’s ongoing projects, the century-long dream, only time will tell if it comes to reality.

The Beginning of a Dream

Initially, Joseph Bocabella hired architect Francisco de Paula del Villar to design the church. The original plans were approved, and the cornerstone was laid in 1882. However, a dispute soon arose between Bocabella and del Villar, resulting in the termination of their contract. It was at this point that Antoni Gaud? entered the picture, bringing his distinct style that blended European design with influences from nature and geometry. Gaud? gracefully transformed the design by combining Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles.

Architectural Significance

The Gaud? masterpiece initially began with a Gothic revival plan but eventually incorporated his own innovative ideas, transforming it into a more futuristic structure. 

The building is pyramidal, symbolizing the connection between humans and the divine. It features three fa?ades, each representing a key moment in Jesus’s life: Birth (Nativity Fa?ade), Death (Passion Fa?ade), and Eternal Life (Glory Fa?ade).

These fa?ades are quite expressive, elaborated with realistic sculptures that narrate the story of Christ’s life. The amount of detail is truly surreal. What might appear to be a typical Gothic church from afar takes one’s breath away upon closer view. 

The interior of the church is equally stunning, with stone and granite columns, stained glass windows, elaborate mosaics, and vibrantly coloured walls constructed by generations of artists, architects, and engineers. The design incorporates complex three-dimensional forms like hyperboloids, parabolas, and helicoids to create a thinner structure with enhanced acoustics and light quality. 

Project of a Lifetime

Antoni Gaud? dedicated 43 years of his life to the Sagrada Familia. He was deeply devoted to his faith, and this opportunity to serve as an architect on a sacred project held profound meaning for him. Gaud? was renowned for his innovative technique of using catenary curves. He would suspend chains or strings from the ceiling to create naturalistic arches, which appeared inverted or as if reflected in a mirror. This method allowed him to visualize and engineer complex structural elements, which was one of the reasons he was chosen for this complex project. 

During his lifetime, Gaud? focused on completing the Nativity Fa?ade. Aware that he wouldn’t live to see the Sagrada Familia?s completion, he created detailed scale models of his designs to guide future architects.

In his final years, Gaud? immersed himself entirely in the project, spending most of his time on-site and devoting all his energy to the church. At some point, his appearance had become dishevelled due to his obsession with the Sagrada Familia. Tragically, at the age of 73, he died after being hit by a tram. 

The Aftermath

Soon after Gaud?’s death, his assistant architect Domenech Sugranyes took charge of the construction. By 1935, the construction of the Nativity facade, bell towers, and the central cypress was completed. In July 1936, the Spanish Civil War began, resulting in the destruction of plans for the Sagrada Familia, which led to slow progress on the project. Construction accelerated again in the 1950s.

Key Gaud?’s masterpiece updates following the 1950s include:

• 1954: Start of the Passion facade construction
• 1958: Completion of the Baptistery chapel in the crypt
• 1959: Beginning of the transept column dedicated to Barcelona
• 1962: Start of the Gaud? Museum construction in the Passion crypt
• 1976: Completion of the four towers of the Passion facade with their pinnacles

In 2014, the Sagrada Fam?lia Foundation approached Arup to help with the remaining structural design, particularly for six towers. Arup developed a new approach using pre-stressed stone masonry panels, which reduced weight and cost while accelerating construction. Arup used parametric design, combining human knowledge with algorithmic tools to model the complex geometries required. Sagrada Familia?s construction progress was disrupted again in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Completion dates

If completed in 2026, the structure will have 18 towers. The central and tallest tower is dedicated to Jesus Christ, while the other four towers represent the Evangelists. The second tallest tower is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, while the remaining 12 towers represent the Apostles. Current construction efforts focus on completing the central nave and six towers, with the tallest reaching 172 metres, which would become Barcelona’s tallest structure. The estimated completion dates of The Chapel of the Assumption and the Jesus Christ Tower are 2025 and 2026, respectively. As of October 2023, five out of the six central towers had been fully constructed.

A Legacy in progress

The project has faced many challenges due to war, lack of funding, neglect, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, generations of architects and craftsmen have dedicatedly worked on the Sagrada Familia project, carrying on Antoni Gaud?’s legacy. Today, progress can be seen much faster due to donations from visitors throughout the world who come to the city and cannot resist visiting Barcelona?s iconic landmark development. Throughout history, the Sagrada Familia has come to be seen as both a Christian church and a universal symbol of faith. Once completed, it will stand as one of the architectural wonders of human creativity and innovation.

Sources

• https://amigotours.com/blog/why-sagrada-familia-was-never-completed/
• https://www.euronews.com/culture/2021/12/05/why-has-barcelona-s-sagrada-familia-taken-over-100-years-to-be-built
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-09/the-final-stages-of-construction-on-the-sagrada/11194078
• https://www.archdaily.com/1015108/barcelonas-iconic-sagrada-familia-on-track-to-be-completed-in-2026
• https://www.arup.com/projects/sagrada-familia/
• https://www.designboom.com/architecture/barcelona-sagrada-familia-completed-2026-antoni-gaudi-centenary-03-25-2024/
• https://www.admiddleeast.com/story/barcelona-sagrada-familia-scheduled-for-completion-in-2026
• https://www.dezeen.com/2024/03/27/sagrada-familia-2026-final-completion-date/