The famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is definitely a unique piece of architecture in the world. But what if the Sagrada Família had been built in different architectural styles from all over the world?
AI makes it possible: from ancient Greece to the utopian future, we take you on a visual journey that redefines the boundaries of architecture.
Discover the Sagrada Família with us in unique stylistic interpretations – an experience that celebrates the creativity of international architecture through the ages.
Note: This post is part of our new series “What if…”, where we use AI to test our imagination and discover new abstract places, events, and destinations.
What to find out in this post
- 1 Sagrada Familia in traditional China
- 2 Sagrada Familia in ancient Greece
- 3 Sagrada Familia in Mudejar style
- 4 Sagrada Familia in Mayan style
- 5 Sagrada Familia in Inca style
- 6 Sagrada Familia in ancient Egypt
- 7 Sagrada Familia in the realm of the Khmer
- 8 Sagrada Familia in Aboriginal style
- 9 Sagrada Familia in sub-Saharan Africa
- 10 Sagrada Familia in a futuristic design
Sagrada Familia in traditional China
Let’s begin our architectural journey through time and space in ancient China. In typical traditional Chinese architectural style, Sagrada Família would not only represent nature but would also be in line with the philosophy of Feng Shui.
In addition to the iconic pointed towers, you might see curved roof lines covered with traditional tiles.
The facades would be carved out of wood decorated with scenes from ancient myths and China’s rich history. Instead of European saints, we might encounter the wise Confucius or Laozi, carved in stone to greet pilgrims.
In this alternative world, the Sagrada Família would be more than just a church – it would be a temple celebrating the unity of man and nature, heaven and earth. In the park in front of the Sagrada Família, you might come across a group of elderly people enjoying a bit of exercise – be it dancing or tai chi.
Sagrada Familia in ancient Greece
Our journey through time continues to ancient Greece. Here, Sagrada Família, or ιερή οικογένεια, as it would be called in Greek today, would possibly rise as a temple on the Acropolis, surrounded by marble columns.
Its towers, now similar to the columns of a Doric temple, would rise simply and powerfully into the sky, while the base would be adorned with fine, Ionic or even Corinthian decorations. The traditional, ornate pediments could depict scenes from Greek mythology, with ancient gods and heroes, as found on the other buildings on any Athens itinerary.
Inside the temple, frescoes and statues would not only depict Christian motifs but also celebrate the achievements of great philosophers and poets.
In this alternative reality, the Sagrada Família would be a place of gathering, exchanging, and honoring the gods as well as human knowledge and beauty. A place where the paths of pilgrims, thinkers, and artists cross, just as they did in the Greek agora.
Sagrada Familia in Mudejar style
On our architectural journey through time, we now land in a scenario that is probably the most realistic of all: the Sagrada Família in the Mudejar style. This is a style that is actually deeply rooted in Spanish architectural history. Many buildings in the country were built or remodeled in this unique form, which is characterized by the fusion of Christian and Islamic influences during the Middle Ages.
In this alternative Barcelona, the Sagrada Família, with its characteristic tiled façades, geometric patterns, and intricate ornamental work in stucco and wood, could make its mark on the Barcelona skyline. Instead of the façade we know, they would perhaps be decorated with colorful ceramic tiles.
The interiors, similar to the Alhambra in Granada, would offer views of intricately carved wooden ceilings, and the walls would be covered with fine arabesques and calligraphy presenting verses and wisdom. Instead of stained glass windows, there would be ornate latticework that allows the light to dance through the room in a pattern of shadow and brightness.
The Mudéjar-style Sagrada Família would be a tribute to the complexity and cultural richness of Spain, a reflection of the historical eras in which the convergence and coexistence of cultures led to breathtaking art and architecture in the country.
Sagrada Familia in Mayan style
Next, our architectural world tour takes us to ancient Mexico.
Here, the Sagrada Família would rise up as a kind of monumental stepped pyramid. Its outer walls would be adorned with complex stone carvings depicting the Mayan gods and scenes from their mythical creation stories.
On the platforms above the steps could be stone altars where ritual ceremonies take place. The traditional windows of the Sagrada Família would be replaced by ornate stonework that allows light to enter through geometric patterns.
Inside, the space would have precisely aligned openings that interact with the position of the sun and mark special astronomical events at certain times of the year. Murals and reliefs could adorn the interior, reflecting a deep connection to nature and the celestial bodies that the Maya so revered.
The Mayan-style Sagrada Família would be a place of wonder, a very special, sacred building that pays tribute not only to the faith but also to the immense astronomical knowledge and artistic skills of the Mayan culture.
Sagrada Familia in Inca style
Our next architectural style takes us to Peru before the Spanish arrived. The Incas, who once created impressive structures such as Machu Picchu, would probably have built the Sagrada Família with solid stone walls.
The modernist elements of the Sagrada Família would be replaced by geometric lines and trapezoidal windows, in keeping with the austere style of Inca architecture.
Instead of the detailed towers, there would perhaps be more robust structures that blend into the landscape and merge with the surrounding nature.
Inside the temple, the ceilings and walls would be adorned with gold and silver, a tribute to the sun and moon, which the Incas deeply revered. The symbolism of Pachamama, the Earth Mother, would be expressed in the ornate stone reliefs and sculptures.
The Inca-style Sagrada Família would be a fortress of faith, a center of spiritual and cultural power that would serve not only as a religious sanctuary but also as a tribute to the Inca’s deep connection to the earth and the cosmos.
Sagrada Familia in ancient Egypt
Let’s travel back to the time of the pharaohs and imagine what the Sagrada Família would have looked like in the magnificent style of ancient Egypt.
In this vision, the Sagrada Família would stand on the banks of the Nile, inspired by the temples and monuments of ancient Egypt. Its towers would be transformed into giant obelisks reaching towards the sky and decorated with hieroglyphs telling stories of the gods and pharaohs.
The facade of the basilica would be characterized by monumental columns adorned with lotus and papyrus motifs, symbols of life and growth in ancient Egypt. Instead of Christian iconography, relief depictions of gods such as Isis, Osiris, and Horus could adorn the walls.
Inside the building, there could be high ceilings and wide halls, similar to those in the temples of Luxor or Karnak. The walls would be covered with colorful frescoes depicting daily life, religious rituals, and the journey to the afterlife.
The Egyptian-style Sagrada Família would not just be a place of worship but a temple of eternity that celebrates the connection between the divine and the earthly.
Sagrada Familia in the realm of the Khmer
We continue our architectural world tour and land in the impressive Khmer empire in what is now Cambodia. Here, the Sagrada Família would probably have been built in the style of the majestic temples of Angkor.
In this alternative vision, the Sagrada Família would appear as a complex ensemble of towers and galleries, similar to the famous structures of Angkor Wat. Its silhouette would be characterized by tall, lotus-shaped towers decorated with fine sculptures and reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu epics and Buddhist Jataka tales.
The walls and pillars of the basilica would be richly decorated with intricate stone carvings depicting gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures of Khmer culture. You would probably encounter depictions of Vishnu, Shiva, or Buddha.
Inside, the Sagrada Família would be an oasis of calm, with meditative spaces that create a mystical atmosphere through the play of light and shadow. The ceilings and corridors would be adorned with fine carvings and frescoes, with a theme of spiritual journey and enlightenment.
The Khmer-style Sagrada Família would be a monument that reflects not only religious significance but also the artistic and architectural brilliance of the Khmer civilization.
Sagrada Familia in Aboriginal style
On our architectural journey around the world, we now take a leap to Australia and imagine the Sagrada Família in the style of the Australian Aborigines.
In this interpretation, the Sagrada Família would become a symbol of the Aborigines’ deep connection to the earth. The elements would be replaced by organic forms and structures that reflect the landscapes of Australia.
The façade of the basilica could be painted with patterns and symbols that are sacred to the Aborigines, such as dream paths and other elements that tell the stories and legends of their ancestors.
Inside the building, the walls and ceilings would be adorned with colorful and symbolic artwork depicting the stories of creation and connection to nature. This art here would not only be decorative but also a means of passing on Aboriginal knowledge and traditions from generation to generation.
The Aboriginal-style Sagrada Família would be more than just a religious building – it would be a living cultural center that celebrates and preserves the history, spirituality, and artistry of Australia’s indigenous people.
Sagrada Familia in sub-Saharan Africa
Continuing our world tour of architecture, we now move on to the diverse cultures of sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, the Sagrada Família would be built in a style inspired by the rich traditions and artistic heritage of this region.
In this vision, the Sagrada Família could be designed as an impressive structure that incorporates the typical forms and materials of sub-Saharan architecture. Instead of the iconic pointed towers, there could be structured, conical spires decorated with patterns representing the different ethnic groups of the region.
The facades of the basilica would certainly be made of clay and natural stone, adorned with colorful geometric patterns and symbols deeply rooted in local arts and crafts. These decorations would not only reflect the region’s architecture but also its rich cultural and spiritual history.
Inside, the walls would be adorned with traditional African fabrics and carvings that tell stories of community, nature, and spirituality.
The sub-Saharan style Sagrada Família would be a living testament to the cultural diversity and artistic creativity of Africa.
Sagrada Familia in a futuristic design
Now that we have wandered through different eras, let’s take a look into the future: what would the Sagrada Família look like in a futuristic design?
In this vision, the Sagrada Família would shine as a marvel of modern architecture, a fusion of art, technology, and sustainability. Its structure could be made of advanced, environmentally friendly materials that clean themselves and generate energy from renewable sources.
The basilica’s towers could adapt to light conditions and environmental influences. These towers might have interactive surfaces that use light shows and digital projections to tell the stories of the Bible and the values of humanity in a modern context.
Inside, Sagrada Família would feature holographic representations and interactive installations that offer visitors an immersive and personalized spiritual experience.
The futuristic Sagrada Família would be a symbol of innovation and vision, a place that shows how religion and spirituality can be in harmony with the opportunities and challenges of modern times.
