After over 130 years of holding the title for the tallest church tower in the world, Ulm Münster in Germany faces the prospect of losing this distinction to the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain. The latter will surpass Ulm’s 162-meter-high tower by an additional 10 meters with the installation of a walkable glass cross designed by a specialized construction company situated near Ulm. This development is attributed to Josef Gartner GmbH, a well-known firm in Gundelfingen an der Donau, not far from Ulm. Their unique contribution is poised to redefine the landscape of church architecture, and its completion is set to occur next summer.
Josef Gartner GmbH, founded in 1868, has built a reputable name for itself through its engagement in high-profile projects, including the renowned Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg and the futuristic Apple headquarters in San Francisco. The company currently employs around 850 staff and is part of the Italian Permasteelisa Group since 2001. The contract for constructing the glass cross was awarded to them by the Sagrada Família Foundation through a competitive tendering process. This move illustrates not only the innovative architectural approaches being undertaken but also the global collaboration within the construction sector, showcasing the capability of local firms to contribute significantly to international projects.
The concept for the glass cross emerged from the Sagrada Família Foundation’s vision, aiming to create a structure that not only adds height to the tower but also offers an interactive experience for visitors. Josef Gartner GmbH initially developed a prototype and is now in the process of manufacturing six separate components of the cross at its headquarters. The firm plans to assemble these parts in Barcelona during the summer months of June to August. This undertaking marks a significant engineering challenge and reflects the ambition of the ongoing work on the Sagrada Família, a project that aims to honor the legacy of its original architect, Antoni Gaudí, with its official completion projected for 2026, coinciding with the centenary of his death.
The design and engineering aspects of this glass cross are remarkable as it is unlike any structure constructed before. It contains a hollow core that includes a spiral staircase, making it not just a decorative addition but also a functional one. Jürgen Wax, the CEO of Josef Gartner GmbH, emphasized the technical uniqueness of the project, noting that while they have produced other forms of steel-glass structures, a walkable hollow cross with such specifications had never been attempted. This could potentially pave the way for similar innovative designs in future architectural projects, thus expanding the possibilities of what can be achieved in church construction.
The assembly process for the glass cross presents its own set of challenges, primarily due to the height of approximately 150 meters at which it will be installed. This stage of the project is expected to take around two months but includes uncertainties regarding the exact timing for when the Sagrada Família will officially take over as the tallest church in the world. The collaboration between entities in Gundelfingen and Barcelona showcases a successful merging of vision and technical expertise, reinforcing the global nature of construction and architectural endeavors.
As Ulm Münster prepares to relinquish its title, the response from the local community has been surprisingly light-hearted. Jürgen Wax mentioned that, so far, no residents of Ulm have raised complaints about losing this distinction. Instead, the project is viewed with a sense of humor and acceptance, reflecting a broader awareness of the evolving nature of architectural feats and the celebrations of cultural heritage. The upcoming transformation of the Sagrada Família will not only enhance the monument’s stature but also draw further attention to the rich histories and stories of both Ulm and Barcelona, linking them through this extraordinary architectural evolution.