[RetroTechie]

> he did not use hyperbolic cosine to calculate the dimensions of the catenary curves, he traced the outline of hanging chains.

In a way that's like doing the math, but using real-world physics as your 'calculator'. No doubt Gaudi was a smart dude.

[embedding-shape]

> No doubt Gaudi was a smart dude.

He also died crossing the tram track, presumable not looking both ways before crossing. To be clear, I've also nearly been hit by the Barcelona tram too, so I don't blame him, but "smart" is always relative.

[imp0cat]

He was smart, but not street smart.

Also, I do belive the story was that he had the appearance of a homeless man and thus received sub-standard care. When someone finally recognized him, it was already too late.