Monday

Happy Architecture Week!

If you could visit one architectural landmark or space anywhere in the world where would it be? Comment below or on Building Industry Resources' Facebook or Twitter pages.

There are so many places I’d love to see, but right now I am drawn to Sagrada Familia, the massive cathedral in Barcelona, Spain designed by Antonio Gaudi. The building has been under construction since 1882 and is not expected to be complete until 2026 – 144 years of construction. (And you were angry when the contractor missed your home remodeling deadline by two weeks!) The cathedral will be open for tours and public worship this September. See the Sagrada Familia website and the slideshow below.



I first studied this structure during an Architectural History course in college and was enthralled by the religious symbolism, elaborate detail, and story-telling sculptures. Gaudi based his designs on forms found in nature, as seen in the tree-like supports, vaulting resembling ribs and the bone-like columns, and other elements throughout the building. There are also influences of art nouveau, baroque and cubism styles.

When complete, the cathedral will have 18 towers, three grand façades – the Nativity façade that Gaudi finished himself, the Glory façade, and the Passion façade with sculptures added in 1987 that were very different from those completed by Gaudi.

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