The original idea of the Sagrada Familia is lost in the mists of time: the year was 1882 and the architect who had been called in had presented designs in a perfect neo-Gothic style. When he resigned, a year later, Antoni Gaudí took over.
Eminent art historians tell us that Gothic architecture reflects a logical discourse: all parts must tend towards final clarity yet be identifiable at the same time. That’s why, in a cathedral, we will always notice the ribbing on the columns. This aspect isn’t so obvious in Gaudí, however: from whichever point you look at it, the Sagrada Familia always seems a bit frothy; even its spires give the impression of being sucked in from below. And yet, something of that two-way correspondence can also be found in this Catalan puzzle. Whoever has entered the basilica has found two familiar companions there: lights and colours. This is simply the effect of the disposition of the volumes resting on each other and thus maintaining the logical coherence of Gothic architecture.
We’ve tried to reconstruct the idea of a structure turning into colour through the relationship between a pencil and its lead. But it’s just a prototype: to see the final effect we’re going to have to wait until the basilica is inaugurated in 2026 (following on from its consecration in 2010). Next time you visit Barcelona, bear in mind that the cost of the ticket still goes towards funding this long-awaited inauguration.
Name Day:
St Prosdocimus