Gaudi's Ghost Haunts RVA
Four children, three countries, six flights, and all the band-aids in the first aid kit, I can now say that we have taken our children to Europe. It was an amazing trip, but I actually missed working while on vacation, I always do--the sign of a good entrepreneur I tell myself. I told people I met in Europe that I specialize in the sale of older homes in Richmond, Virginia, which is laughable when their tours include Roman ruins from the 5th century BC.
When I reached Antoni Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia the gears in my real estate brain were turning. I thought, "What would happen if Gaudi was dropped into a cul-de-sac in one of Richmond’s suburbs?" Yes, I realize that I am comparing cheap new construction to Spain’s most renowned architect, but picture it: He would be so disappointed in the disproportionate windows, the shotty construction, the lack of a sense of place. I looked around La Sagrada Familia, awe struck. The exquisite nuances created by shadows and light through windows added to the structure and made the space come alive. His attention to detail was certainly extreme--some could argue too extreme--but after visiting La Sagrada Familia, I will look at any place with a different view. Is it alive? Does the light strike the right balance? On the subject of light, Gaudi said, “not too much and not too little because the two extremes are blinding and blind men do not see.”
My visit to La Sagrada Familia also makes me question: Does it include nature, and is there any detail??? I look at some of the homes thrown up in Richmond and feel ashamed at the lack of thought that went into the project. I am not asking for Gaudi's obsession, but at least plan out the proportions better. Look at the lot size and how the subdivision should work as a whole. Line up the crown molding so you don’t see gaps, for Gaudi’s sake! I could go on about some of the poor projects I’ve seen—couldn’t we all—but I’d rather show you where to find the good stuff. Richmond does offer great details and wonderful neighborhoods--you just have to know where to find them and appreciate them when you do