I write this story as I am flying at an altitude of 35,000 feet on my way to Italy and our 29th Candelaria Design Tour, this time once again to Italy. Our first tour was in 2000, and here we are 26 years later still at it. I am here with my wife, Isabel, whom I married on our 2013 Tour Italy, and my oldest daughter, Tiffany, who has also joined me on several tours and, in fact, organized and curated this year’s tour, and then fourteen travelers who are joining us – six of whom have been on prior tours.
These tours have allowed me to experience so many incredible works of architecture and, of course, fantastic cuisine and cultures all while making lifelong friendships. We have now toured Italy and, over the years, added Spain, France, and Mexico. So much of what I have experienced and learned is how architecture shapes everyday life and culture in so many ways.
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Cathedral in Florence
This year we start the tour in Florence, Italy, which is the birthplace of the Renaissance and the talents of Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Brunelleschi. I can sit and study the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore’s infinite exterior details for hours, and I’ve done that many times. I love going early in the morning, when no one is there, and soaking it all in. All of these buildings were constructed before power, modern communication, and the bevy of tools we have at our disposal. I can only imagine what they could have done if we gave them our tools and means of communication. Nothing has ever been produced since then that even comes close to these true masterpieces of architecture – except for probably my favorite piece of architecture of all time, the Basilica Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, Spain!
I have been fortunate to visit the Sagrada Familia many times over the last 40 years, and it is finally nearly complete after 144 years of construction. This is truly the most remarkable creation by man on this planet and one I love sharing on our tour. I am convinced aliens took away and captured Gaudi, and then returned to Earth to create his marvelous works of exceptional architecture.
My third favorite now is the restoration of Notre Dame in Paris. We toured it the very day it opened to the public on our France Tour last fall. I had been through the church before, so when we were allowed to see it after the restoration, I didn’t have high expectations, but frankly I was blown away. The restoration of the architecture was spectacular, but the fact that it was all done authentically, with original means and methods, was amazing and gave me hope that we can still use all our technology to create beautiful architecture. This proved to me that it can still be done if we make up our minds and commit the resources.
Then another favorite is the city of Siena and the Piazza del Campo. I always call this spot the center of the universe – because it is! I can spend hours sitting in the Piazza enjoying a cappuccino, then a glass of Sangiovese and a pizza, and watch life go by. Sienna is just filled with endless amazing architecture, including the Siena Cathedral, which is totally off the charts. The detail and craftsmanship are literally beyond belief and description – you physically must experience it for yourself. I have visited this church many times, and I never get tired of it; I find new details and inspiration every time I go. I cannot wait to return on this year’s Tour.
Notre Dame
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Siena
Yes, I was probably born several centuries too late, but I yearn for detail, richness, and the effort it takes to make that happen. I’m sorry, but these repetitive grey-and-white, lifeless boxes being reproduced again and again need to stop, and we need to take all this knowledge and technology and start the next Renaissance. I believe this is starting to happen. With all the AI and technology, we will see a full swing of the pendulum to art, design, and handmade beauty. We sure hear this from our clients, and I think the age of craftsmanship is once again upon us.
I look forward to this year’s tour as I do with all my tours. Soaking in great architecture, details, and the stories behind all of these marvelous creations, not to mention enjoying the resulting culture that this architecture manifests. I love how these trips refill my soul and creative tank and inspire me and my team to push ourselves to the next level. I know our clients really appreciate the effort we put in.
So here we go, our 29th tour, and I only get more excited and energized with each visit.
Candelaria Design Associates
6900 E Camelback Rd Suite #400
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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