While basilicas are not typically the center of our cities anymore, what is an example of a “contemporary cathedral”?

It is easy to lament that buildings today aren’t as grand in scale and beauty as those constructed during the Middle Ages. The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudí (he’s included in the week 6 reading) and begun in Barcelona in 1882, is an extensive and ornate building project that in many ways recalls earlier Gothic cathedrals. This week, please take a virtual visit of la Sagrada Familia, which after over 130 years is still under construction (although nearing completion). Be sure to move the cursor so that you are looking up to the ceiling in the nave…it is stunning! There is a lot to explore on the website, in addition to the virtual visit, and I’m including a link to the page on the basilica’s history as well. Please take a few moments to click on various links and then share your thoughts about la Sagrada Familia with your classmates. Please be specific in discussing which aspects of the design you found most interesting.

While basilicas are not typically the center of our cities anymore, what is an example of a “contemporary cathedral”? Be creative with your answer. You can choose to discuss a building that is “cathedral-like” in function, scale, degree of detail, use of architectural elements (i.e. arches or stone), etc. Be sure to employ your newly minted architectural vocabulary, and to reference specific examples from Roth. Feel free to pick a local structure for this assignment or to share something you’ve found online, but either way, please attach an image. Please note that your choice does not have to be an actual cathedral or church.

Links:
1. https://sagradafamilia.org/en/virtual-tour

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