Force Modeling
Here’s a quick physics idea: compression forces can be modeled as tension forces. And that’s exactly what Gaudí did in order to get the angles of his fantastic arches correct.
Take a close look at what’s going on here — this is a photograph that has been turned upside down.
What Gaudí did was connect chains in the pattern he wanted for his arches. Then, he attached small bags of lead shot to the lowest ends of the chains, putting tension on them. The resulting angles and proportions that Gaudí’s simulation produced meant he could flip the photo upside down, trace it, and get a stunningly accurate (and stable!) blueprint for the desired structure.
Lens at 50mm, ISO 800, ƒ/2.5, 1/125s
Snapped Jun 4, 2008 at 3:38am