The project, which was completed in 2017, has finally come to light and is now presiding over Masses at Gaudí's Temple.
One morning we received an unusual visit to the INNOU studio. I say unusual because they proposed a way of working that, to be honest, did not convince me at all. Manel Capdevila, a jeweler whose trade dates back to four generations, had an interesting project in hand. Something that he didn't tell us until a few weeks later. Something that was better than any prize, because the honor of designing it was a prize in itself. At INNOU we are used to serving clients by appointment, since we signed confidentiality agreements with the brands and entrepreneurs who trust us to design their products. The day we met, Manel told me that his A lifelong wood modeler had retired, and therefore needed help with a prototype. He had found us through the internet, and he liked our studio. He had ideas but needed experts to help him make them a reality. In addition, he wanted to replace the artisanal way of working with a more modern way, and we introduced him to the world of 3D modeling and printing.
But then his conditions came: he wanted to work in situ with the designers, so that we could talk and discuss everything, from sketches to 3D modeling, with him being present for part of the process. After discussing it, we came to an agreement: we would give him a certain time slot, where we would make sure there was nothing he couldn't see. A few days later, Manel Capdevila began working hand in hand with our designers, bringing to life an idea whose final client was unknown to the rest of us.
The idea gradually took the shape that the jeweler was looking for, and one day we became curious about that mysterious prototype. What is it all about? What is behind so much mystery?, we asked. Manel looked at us as if the time had come to confess something important, and told us that it was, no more and no less, than the design of the chalice of the Holy Family. At that moment I remember it was a big surprise, and I remembered how I had almost rejected the project a few months before. I sighed to myself. You never know what you might end up with! Manel and Dani worked together and modeled their ideas day after day, including all the concepts, geometries, volumes, proportions and finishes, interpreting Gaudí's concepts. Little by little it became a producible volume, and it We manufacture in 3D, with different technologies. We made three itineracies until the idea fit and we made the 3D printing, with the measurements, proportions and sections that Manel requested. For this, we used from technology from FDM to SLS, which allows for greater precision and strength. At Innou, we also learned a lot from this project. In his workshop, Manel uses traditional jewelry modeling methods, which when merged with technology, resulted in a perfect collaboration. Recently, due to the tenth anniversary of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, The design has been published and is now used for Masses and religious ceremonies in the Temple. Furthermore, the design we have created together is very much in keeping with the geometry and construction of the Sagrada Familia, as if Gaudí himself had modelled it with his own hands.
The chalice It is made up of a single piece and is reminiscent of the primitive and Romanesque tradition of chalices. The cup, with a circular contour and hemispherical volume, is finished with a horizontal strip of polished silver that forms part of the interior of the cup itself. The base is square and provides firmness and stability. The cut or stem adopts a stylized form and some edges stand out that refer to the author's inspiration and to one of the most characteristic architectural elements of the temple: the interior columns.
Furthermore, just as the main nave of the Sagrada Familia is a forest populated by tree-columns, the chalice reflects this same idea of union between heaven and earth. The square base, symbol of man and human reason, rises as the edges multiply, reproducing the upward movement of the columns, and changing section until it becomes a circle, a form of perfection and symbol of divinity. As for the materials, Both the chalice and the paten have been made with chased, hammered and oxidized silver.. In the video we show the process. Finally, it should be noted that due to the pandemic the basilica remained closed for many months, but Since May 29th it has reopened its doors for all those who want to visit it. It is well worth it!
Credits:
Manufacturing and jewelry by Capdevila Jewelers www.capdevilajoiers.com
3D Design – 3D Printing by Innou. www.innou.eu
Videos of Interest by National Geographic and the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia: