To calculate his structures, Gaudí innovated with the empirical, experimental method of suspended chains. By inverting the image in a mirror, these gave him not only the best geometry for the project, meaning the angle the columns and walls should have to withstand compression forces, but also a way to measure the force on each …
Continue reading » “Is the Sagrada Família prepared to withstand an earthquake?”
Work on the Sagrada Família began on this day 136 years ago. It was 19 March 1882, on the feast of Saint Joseph, when the cornerstone of the Temple was laid in an event with all the required honours featuring top civil, political, religious and military leaders, as can be seen in this engraving from …
Continue reading » “Saint Joseph, an important day for the Sagrada Família”
Many times, looking at the work currently under way on the Sagrada Família, visitors wonder what Gaudí would have done without reinforced concrete. One could even think that the architects today, with all this reinforced concrete, are cheating because Gaudí only used stone. And that would be a grave mistake. The fact is, reinforced concrete …
Continue reading » “Reinforced concrete for the Temple? Of course!”
Although today the Basilica of the Sagrada Família is intrinsically linked to Antoni Gaudí, he wasn’t named head architect until 1883, one year after the cornerstone was laid and after architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano had stepped down. These circumstances, which occurred 134 years ago, have decisively conditioned the Basilica as it …
Continue reading » “What would the Sagrada Família be like if Gaudí hadn’t taken over the project?”
