craft matters
Basílica de la Sagrada Família, architect: antoinio gaudi, barcelona. spain
in a fast world, craft takes the slow road. the artisan practice seeks mastery that comes with trial, error, and time. when a compelling vision is fused to craft, the world waits in awe and admiration.
Here’s one example:
Construction on the basilica de la Sagrada Familia began in 1882 under architect Antonio Gaudí's direction until his death in 1926. Ten years later, during the Spanish Civil War, Gaudí's office was vandalized and many original drawings and models were destroyed. Architects developed new plans based on previously published drawings, but construction slowed significantly due to funding shortages.* Over 140 years after breaking ground, the basilica's completion is now scheduled for 2026.** Throughout this extended timeline, successive generations of artisans and tradespeople have sustained the project with a passion for gaudi’s visionary work. they included master craftspeople specializing in sculpture, ceramics, mosaics, ironwork, woodwork, and masonry.***
