Restoring the Colonia Güell church. Work schedule for the interior

Abstract

The restoration of the interior of Colonia Güell Church, begun in October 2002, is only just the start. The lack of upkeep over the past years has produced numerous problems. Some are due lo lack of attention or the passing of lime. Others are the result of Gaudí not being able to finish the work he had created, and that nobody else stepped in lo complete what was left unfinished; even though it was essential to defining his work (as can be seen in the imperfect finishing touches in the construction work, which distorts the architect´s design). Other problems stem from the unfortunate consequences of those who had lo take over when Gaudí left and salve essential problems (such as the enormous draught proof doors and the low walls round the space meant for the spiral stairway lo the upper floor and the belfry, or the presbytery with its obvious lack of formal and liturgical characteristics). The article presents the proposals and analyses which led up to the project for reforming the interior –based on the importance of its use as a place of worship as well as the inevitable respect for the church as a historic building -and explains what has already been completed and what still has lo be done.