Tag: Technology

The Sagrada Família, a pioneer in applying manufacturing robots to architecture

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, …

Technology, a key part of day-to-day operations at the Sagrada Família

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The Sagrada Família began its path of innovation and transformation under Gaudí, two centuries ago. In fact, he was the one to promote the use of three-dimensional representations in designing the Temple, as well as geometry as the base of his architecture and the use of recycled materials, plus a long etcetera that we still …

What do we mean when we talk about tensioned stone?

Tensioning means to make taut, tight, tense. But how can you tighten a stone? Well, what is actually tightened is a bar running through the stone. This bar, which is stretched and becomes some centimetres longer from the tensioning, will tend to return to its normal length, becoming shorter. But if each end of the …

Stainless steel at the Sagrada Família: what do we use it for?

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 …

The stones for the central towers: chronology of exceptional control

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 …

3-D glasses: virtual reality at the Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudí conceived his works as projects that were always evolving: the original idea could undergo changes until the very last moment, even once the works had begun. This is why he made large (1:10 and 1:25 scale) models from the plans he drew; he believed that seeing them in three dimensions would help him …