Designing anything takes patience, but how about 136 years until completion? Construction of Sagrada Família by architect, Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) began in March 1882 and is set to be completed by 2026. There are many more decorative works of art to be finished by 2030 or 2032. Despite many setbacks over the years prolonging the completion of Barcelona’s minor basilica, progress has slowly forged ahead.

Antoni Gaudí’s style is a collaboration of elements from various art periods including; Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism, Spanish Late Gothic. This imaginative blending of styles of the ages has turned Gaudí’s name into a cliché to describe ornate or overly busy decor or patterns. “That’s so Gaudí,” is a phrase most people have heard many times, although mispronouncing his name.

Imagine creating a work of anything that would most likely not be completed until many years after you’re gone with generations of people continuing to bring your vision to life. Sagrada Família has been coming to life with advancing technologies as the decades pass. Donations are in the multi-millions to fund the progress of the remaining structures and decorative elements.

Seeing this indescribable work of architecture in person has left an indelible imprint on my little designer soul. I look forward to visiting again.

Learn more about Sagrada Famíia and Antoni Gaudí