A century after his death, Antoni Gaudí continues to inspire not only architects but also business leaders, with the Sagrada Família serving as a model of leadership and innovation

When Pope Leo XIV visited the Sagrada Família on June 10 to bless the cathedral’s new, impressive central tower, he did not focus solely on the figure of Antoni Gaudí. He also wished to pay tribute to the thousands of people who, for nearly a century and a half, have kept alive what is perhaps the greatest architectural undertaking in modern Europe.

In his homily, he thanked the benefactors, the artists, the artisans, and the workers who contributed to the construction of a project which, as he said, is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a “catechism” expressed through stone, light, and colors.

For many, the Sagrada Família is simply one of the world’s most famous landmarks. For Professor of Business Administration Yi-Tin Li, however, in a related analysis in The Conversation, it is also one of the best examples of how a grand vision is born, evolves, and endures. It is no coincidence that he often takes students and business executives to the cathedral, using its history as a lesson in leadership.

As he explains, Gaudí may not fit the classic image of a leader. Nevertheless, the way he designed, inspired, and mobilized people continues to be a subject of study even in business schools.

Great visions take time

When Gaudí took on the project in 1883, construction had already begun based on a fairly conventional Neo-Gothic design. Instead of rejecting it outright, he initially chose to work on it, giving himself time to redefine what he truly wanted to create.

A few years later, he had already conceived a completely different idea: a gigantic basilica with 18 towers, three monumental facades, and an architectural language unlike any other of the time.

His vision did not take shape overnight. Every new project he undertook served as a testing ground for ideas that he would later incorporate into the Sagrada Família. Thus, over the course of decades, he gradually developed a comprehensive system in which geometry, nature, mechanics, and religious symbolism coexisted harmoniously.

The main conclusion, according to the columnist, is that a meaningful vision does not emerge fully formed. It is built through constant revision, experimentation, and patience.

How a Personal Dream Became a Collective Endeavor

No grand plan moves forward unless it convinces others to follow it.

Gaudí devoted a great deal of time not only to designing but also to communicating his ideas. He created numerous drawings and plaster models, while explaining the most complex architectural ideas in a simple way using vivid imagery.

At the same time, he had complete trust in his collaborators. Stonemasons, blacksmiths, potters, and other craftsmen had great freedom to develop solutions without needing constant guidance.

This decision proved crucial after his death. When a large portion of the drawings and models were destroyed in a fire, the people who had worked alongside him managed to reconstruct a significant portion of the project and pass on their knowledge to subsequent generations of architects.

Equally critical was the financial aspect of the project. The Sagrada Família is being built exclusively with private donations and not with government funding. Gaudí himself devoted much of his life to raising funds, even contributing his own money. However, the project moved forward thanks to thousands of small contributions from people who believed in his vision.

Thus, the cathedral became a project created by society and for society.

Innovation with a Clear Purpose

The years when construction slowed down were not wasted time for Gaudí. On the contrary, he used them to develop new techniques and seek better solutions.

From 1914 until his death in 1926, he devoted himself exclusively to the Sagrada Família, creating a structure that revolutionized architecture.

The columns reminiscent of tree trunks, the chain-like arches, and the application of mathematical principles are just a few of the elements that make the church unique. At the same time, through the sculptures and facades, he sought to convey religious messages in a way that was understandable and appealing to a society that was gradually drifting away from traditional religious life.

The message is clear: innovation acquires true value when it serves a broader purpose and is not limited to mere impression.

A Different Kind of Leader

In the final part of his analysis, the professor links Gaudí’s journey to recent scientific research on leadership.

As noted, in new groups, those who are self-confident and seek to take the reins from the outset usually stand out. However, the most effective leaders over the long term are not always the most prominent ones.

There are people who view leadership as a form of service rather than a means of self-promotion. They invest in trust, collaboration, and building strong relationships within the team. According to researchers, as a team matures, these characteristics become increasingly important.

Anthony Gaudi is a prime example of this more subtle form of leadership. He sought to leave behind not only an impressive building, but a way of thinking that continues to guide those working on the completion of the Sagrada Família, one hundred years after his death and nearly 140 years after construction began.

Source: in.gr