The architects working on the Sagrada Família will reveal first-hand how they are making possible this huge challenge, in terms of building and technology, a reality.
The columns in the nave of the Temple are designed with the complex geometry of the double-twisted spiral, the outcome of the intersection of two symmetrical spirals twisted in opposite directions. Thus, in one column that begins at the base with an eight-pointed star shape, the points multiply to become 16, 32 and 64 points, …
Continue reading » “The Sagrada Família, a pioneer in applying manufacturing robots to architecture”
The core comprised of the staircase and lift inside the lantern of Jesus Christ is an example of the work with tensioned stone that has been carried out at the Temple since this technology was incorporated into the project and the construction of the central lanterns. DESCRIPTION OF THE CORE GEOMETRY The basic shape …
Continue reading » “Helicoidal tensioning for the staircase in the tower of Jesus Christ”
Just like patients are monitored at a hospital, tracking their vital signs to detect any anomalies and raise the alarm, it is also becoming commonplace in the world of architecture and heritage to monitor important buildings or heritage sites. In these cases, it is important to get enough data to ensure that any issues are …
Continue reading » “The Sagrada Família: a Temple monitored 24 hours a day”
The double twist columns must be understood from the standpoint of Gaudí’s desire to constantly push the envelope. He had experimented with columns with helicoidal movement a lot, at Park Güell and the temple, and the helix shapes gave them a feeling of upward movement. This dynamism draws the observer’s eye upwards, connecting the earth …
Continue reading » “Double twist columns: geometry, mechanics and symbolism”
The structural skeleton of the six central towers of the Sagrada Família is made up of a grid of lines, both horizontal and vertical. The vertical lines fall right where, on the outside, you see the arrises in Brazil blue granite on the tower of Mary and in red granite porphyry on the rest of …
Continue reading » “Tensioned-stone panels: structure and components”
With the innovative tensioned-stone technique being used to build the structure of the central towers at the Sagrada Família, a third element, in addition to the stone and duplex stainless steel, comes into play. Its presence isn’t as obvious, but it is no less essential to the very concept of the tensioned stone. Resin: the …
Continue reading » “Epoxy resins, an essential material at the Sagrada Família”
Now that we’ve put in the bases of the four bridges that connect the central lanterns 85 metres above the Temple ground, we wanted to take advantage to explain their design and building system in more detail. At this 85-metre level, the towers of the evangelists are close to the beginning of the tower of …
Continue reading » “Bridges connecting the central towers: in detail”
In a previous article, we explained how we use stone to build the Basilica, not only as exterior cladding for the reinforced concrete structures, as was done traditionally, but also as part of the structure of the temple, thanks to the innovative technique with post-tensioned stone. In the previous article, we looked at both the …
Continue reading » “Stainless steel at the Sagrada Família: what do we use it for?”
Historically, temple roofs have been made of wood or stone. The first option takes a lot of weight off the structure and transfers the load vertically to the support walls but, despite the advantages, this material requires constant upkeep and the risk of fire limits its lifespan. This is why roofs tend to be made …
Continue reading » “The rooftops: from Gaudí’s plaster model to the executive project”
Stone has been used to build great constructions throughout the history of humanity. The fact that it is both abundant and very strong and durable makes this material perfect for buildings that are meant to last, such as the Sagrada Família. Today, at the Basilica, the six central towers are being erected simultaneously: dedicated to …
Continue reading » “The stones for the central towers: chronology of exceptional control”
