Designing a cross for the top of the Tower of Jesus Christ in the expiatory temple of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia (Holy Family)

Abstract

Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) is his architectural masterpiece. The construction of 18 spires for this project were envisaged: four for each three entrance portals; and a system of six towers where the dome base of the centre tower is dedicated to Jesus Christ, a sec and the rest to the Apostles. This study is focused on the dome base of the so called Tower of Jesus since this particular element is still under construction and, when completed, its top part must support a four armed cross (25 meters) to reach a final height of 170 meters at its highest point. The sizes and weights of this ornamental element complicate the hoisting and arrangement of any (prefabricated) construction set because neither the initial building machines (made of steel) nor the machine models available in today’s market can perform such a complex task. As a result, the aim of this article consists of designing a very singular and symbolic element that meets both its aesthetic function and this complex building performance.