Associating the Sagrada Familia with Gaudi is something that most of the world knows. Although it is true that without Gaudí it would be impossible to contemplate this beautiful temple, the reality is that throughout its 139 years of history it has been necessary the collaboration of several architects at the Sagrada Familia. And it is thanks to all of them that today we can contemplate this magnificent construction, still unfinished.
But let’s start at the beginning. It was Francisco de Paula del Villar who was commissioned to design the Sagrada Familia in 1882.. The original design of the Sagrada Familia was made by applying the characteristic formulas of the neo-Gothic style, very popular in the constructions of the time. However, due to the high cost of the works and the materials used, he was dismissed the following year and the opportunity was given to a young architect who was beginning to stand out for his original designs and the beauty of his projects.
This architect was Antoni Gaudí, who took on the project and was in charge of redesigning it, assuming the direction of the works until the day of his death in 1926. Since that date, there have been numerous architects of the Sagrada Familia to the present day. And this is its route.
Architect Domènec Sugranyes (1926-1938)
It was Domènec Sugrañes i Gras who took over from Gaudí after his death. A modernist architect and one of Gaudí’s main collaborators, he was a specialist in structural calculations and is who carried out the structural design of the Sagrada Família when he was still in charge of the collaboration tasks.. During the 12 years of his leadership, he practically completed the Nativity façade.
Architect Francesc de Paula Quintana (1939-1966)
Francesc de Paula Quintana i Vidal, another of Gaudí’s main disciples, took over from Sugranyes upon his death. He is responsible for the reconstruction and recovery of all the destroyed documentation due to the acts of vandalism that took place in the temple during the Civil War. In this way, it was possible to continue with the construction work.
During his period of construction management, the Nativity façade was completely finished, the Passion façade was begun and the museum was inaugurated to explain to visitors all the peculiarities of the Sagrada Familia.
Architects Isidre Puig i Boada and Lluís Bonet i Garí (1966-1983)
Both architects, also disciples of Gaudí, are appointed in collaboration to continue the direction of the works. During his leadership, the bell towers of the Passion façade were completed and construction work began on the façades of the side naves.
Architect Francesc Cardoner (1983-1985)
Francesc de Paula Cardoner i Blanch, was a collaborator of the previous architects and took over the direction of the works for a short period of time during which the works on the side facades continued. He was also the architect who designed the Gaudí House Museum.
Architect Jordi Bonet i Armengol (1985-2012)
Son of another of the architects architects of the Sagrada Familia, Lluis Bonet, assumes the direction of the works for a long period of time. During these years, Josep Maria Subirachs was commissioned to sculpt the temple, who in close collaboration with Jordi Bonet, are responsible for the fact that today we can admire the entire sculptural ensemble dedicated to the Passion of Christ.
During this period of construction management, the foundations of all the naves began to be built and the vaults, columns and facades of the main nave were executed. At the same time, it is when World Heritage nominations occur by UNESCO to the crypt of the temple and the Nativity façade. In addition, on November 7, 2010, the Holy Family is considered a minor basilica, an appointment made by Pope Benedict XVI.
Architect Jordi Faulí (2012-present)
Jordi Faulí i Oller, who in 1990 was incorporated to the works as a collaborator of Jordi Bonet, assumes the direction and is today responsible for the progress of the works. is today responsible for the progress of the works.. During these 9 years, work began on the towers of the Evangelists and of Mary and Jesus. At the same time, the western sacristy and the fantastic cloister dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows were completed.
As of today, the Sagrada Familia is in the process of completing the tower of the Virgin Mary, the second tallest tower of the church at 138 m in height.
Other collaborations of architects in the Sagrada Família
In a work of this magnitude, it is necessary the collaboration of a multitude of professionals in which without their contribution, it would have been impossible to realize this beautiful construction. Although they have not held the title of director of the works, they deserve recognition. And because of their merits and dedication, they belong to the fantastic cast of architects of the Sagrada Familia.
Such is the case of names like Francesc Berenguer i Mestres, Joan Rubió i Bellverboth collaborators and disciples of Gaudí, who, thanks to their knowledge and dedication, have made it possible for us to admire today one of the modern wonders of humanity.
Thanks to all these professionals, from the architects of architects of the Sagrada FamiliaThe current state of the Basilica can be seen today, from its sculptors, to the master craftsmen and people specialized in various trades, who have been working with dedication throughout these 139 years. And while waiting to be able to contemplate it on the day of its completion, we can only pay tribute to them and thank them for the beauty they have contributed to create.
