Sagrada Família hosts architectural dialogue with prominent figures in international architecture

The central nave of the Sagrada Família hosted a conference titled “Architectural dialogue between heritage and modernity”, a gathering that brought together some of the most prominent names in contemporary architecture as part of Barcelona World Capital of Architecture.

The event featured the architects from RCR Arquitectes – Carme Pigem, Ramon Vilalta and Rafael Aranda– who received the Pritzker Prize in 2017, as well as the Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima, the Pritzker Prize winner in 2010. Their talks provided a shared reflection on the relationship between Antoni Gaudí’s architecture and modernity, the cultural value of architecture and its ability to address the challenges of today’s society.

The day began with a presentation and welcome by Mr Joan Trias de Bes, PhD Arch. and member of the Sagrada Família Board of Trustees, and an introduction by Basilica Head Architect Jordi Faulí, who gave a brief explanation of the nave and the Glory façade.

The presentations highlighted the following ideas:

• Carme Pigem highlighted the inspiration Gaudí drew from the laws of nature and his ability to transform them into architecture.
• Rafael Aranda addressed the transcendence of the Sagrada Família as a space that connects matter, consciousness and spirituality.
• Ramon Vilalta emphasised the collective, shared nature of the Sagrada Família, the result of the hard work of successive generations.
• Kazuyo Sejima shared her vision of architecture and the principles that have shaped her professional career.
• Jordi Faulí called attention to the commitment to the Temple’s future and the continuity of Gaudí’s legacy.

The conference, which was attended by 1,300 people, transformed the Basilica nave into a space for reflecting and exchanging ideas, bringing together professionals, students and architecture enthusiasts. The event highlighted the enduring significance of Antoni Gaudí’s architecture and how it can engage in dialogue with the most innovative proposals in contemporary architecture.

With this initiative, the Sagrada Família has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting culture, knowledge and architectural debate.