The Harmony of Religion, Nature, and Mathematics in Antoni Gaudí\u27s Sagrada Familia

Of all of the works of Spanish architect and devout Catholic Antoni Gaudí, perhaps the Basilica of Sagrada Familia is the most impressive, despite remaining unfinished. Its rich history and the complex design make it one of the most fascinating architectural works of the last few centuries. At the heart of the work is the culmination of three major themes in Gaudí’s projects: nature, religion, and mathematics. Sagrada Familia takes the traditional Christian cruciform blueprint and ornaments the structure with various designs showing the harmony between these three themes. The religious symbology of numbers pervades the entire work, making use of spatial geometries and simple arithmetic. The complicated mathematical designs of smooth surfaces and sharp polygons are harnessed to recreate a natural ambience and religious allusions alike. In total, Gaudí masterfully designs an iconic work of art, serving to pay homage to God and His creations through mathematical applications