描述
This edition takes stock of the output of RCR Arquitectes since receiving the Pritzker Prize for Architecture in 2017. Led by principals and co-founders Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, and Ramon Vilalta, the relatively unknown – compared to other finalists – Spanish architecture firm was catapulted to global fame with the recognition. Besides featuring nineteen recent projects representing an array of building typologies, including Seibert Bridge, the Soulages Museum extension, Perelada Winery, and a dental clinic, the magazine also includes an essay by Philip Ursprung and an illuminating conversation between the architects of RCR and Santiago de Molina.
RCR Arquitectes is an architectural studio founded in Olot, Catalonia, in 1988, by Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta. Since 1989, RCR Arquitectes has been an advisor to the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. In 2008, they started the International Workshop at the Espai Barberí, a collaborative space for architectural experimentation. In 2013, they established the RCR BUNKA Foundation, focused on promoting architecture, culture and creative thinking. In 2017, they created RCR LAB A, an architectural laboratory in Vall de Bianya, dedicated to research and transversal creativity.
Over the years, the studio has received numerous awards:
– National Prize for Culture from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2005).
– Knight (2008) and Officer (2014) of the Order of Arts and Letters of the French Republic.
– Gold Medal of the French Academy of Architecture (2015).
– Pritzker Prize for Architecture (2017).
– Gold Medal of the Generalitat de Catalunya (2018).
– CAM-SAM Medal from the College of Architects of Mexico City (2020).
– Fundació Catalunya Cultura Award (2024).
In addition, they have been recognized as honorary members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA, 2010), international members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA, 2012) and the French Academy of Architecture (2019).
The work of RCR Arquitectes has evolved with the incorporation of new co-authors such as Gilles Trégouët in 2018 and Ángela Moura and Idurre García in 2021.
Rafael Aranda was born in Olot in 1961 and graduated as an architect from ETSA Vallés in 1987. Since 2014 he has been a professor in the Master’s Degree in Architecture at Nebrija University, Madrid. In 2017, he and his partners received the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Carme Pigem was born in Olot in 1962 and studied at the School of Fine Arts in Olot (1977-79) before graduating as an architect from ETSA Vallés in 1987. She taught design at ETSA Vallés (1992-99) and ETSA Barcelona (1997-2003). In 2017, she was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Ramon Vilalta was born in Vic in 1960 and completed his initial training at the School of Fine Arts in Olot (1973-76). He obtained his architecture degree from ETSA Vallés in 1987 and completed the Master of Landscape Architecture at ETSA Barcelona (1987-89). He was a professor of urban planning and landscape architecture at ETSA Vallés between 1989 and 2001. In 2017, he received the Pritzker Architecture Prize together with his partners.
Texts
Essential approaches to landscape.
A conversation with Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta.
Santiago de Molina
» Extract available on El Croquis blog
Vulcan’s workshop.
The architecture of RCR.
Philip Ursprung
Perelada Winery
Vide Pavilion
Alwah House
Dar Al Marefa School
Michael
Gröller catwalk
Ile Seguin Art and Cultural Centre
Seibert Bridge
More New
Rouleau House
The Stop
City of Water
Palmares Complex
Extension of the
Soulages Museum
Student
Activities and Sports Center
New Satellite Terminal
in El Prat
Lazaro Dental Clinic
Expansion of the
Barcelona-Sants Station
Art gallery
Muraba Veil
