Strength through geometry. The Gothic spirit and the structures of Félix Candela, a perspective through time

Abstract

Structural geometry is always relevant. This article examines the structures of Félix Candela, an architect considered as a structural artist, in relation with the Gothic spirit and the Structural Expressionism. Supported by the writings of Bruno Zevi, Wilhelm Worringer, Frank Lloyd Wright, Erich Mendelsohn, Van de Velde, Eero Saarinen and Félix Candela himself, this paper aims to show the relationship that the projects designed by Félix Candela present with the concept that Frank Lloyd Wright named as "Gothic spirit". A spirit that was transmitted from the construction of Gothic cathedrals and continued during the Structural Expressionism of the 20th century. The recent advances in computational design have enabled the development of new form-finding and optimization methods that have improved the structural geometry and renewed the interest in this approach to design. The paper includes original reconstructions of non-built projects of Félix Candela, defending the integrity of the structure as a means of designing architecture. A similar approach that other architects like Eero Saarinen or Frei Otto followed.