Three Catalan architects named 2017 Pritzker Prize laureates

The era of solo leading architect is officially behind us! For the first time, three individuals have been named as Pritzker Architecture Prize laureates: Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta. Hailing from Spanish town Olot, the dynamic trio has worked together since founding their firm RCR Arquitectes, in the Catalonian region in 1988.

Although not widely known, the three creatives were bestowed the profession’s highest honour because of their works that “produce uncompromising architecture of a poetic level, representing timeless work that reflects great respect for the past, while projecting clarity that is of the present and the future,” states the Jury citation.

Harmonising materiality with transparency, Aranda, Pigem and Vilalta seek connections between the exterior and interior, resulting in emotional and experiential architecture. The locally based architects evoke universal identity through their innovative and extensive use of modern materials including recycled steel and plastic.

Some of their notable projects include La Cuisine Art Center (Negrepelisse, France, 2014), Soulages Museum in collaboration with G. Tregouet (Rodez, France, 2014), Les Cols restaurant marquee (Olot, Girona, Spain, 2011), El Petit Comte Kindergarten in collaboration with J. Puigcorbe (Besalu, Girona, Spain, 2010), Bell-Lloc Winery (Palamos, Girona, Spain, 2007) among many more.

This year, the Pritzker Prize ceremony will take place at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, on May 20, 2017.

Website: www.pritzkerprize.com; www.rcrarquitectes.es

Also read: Free social housing designs by 2016 Pritzker Prize laureate Alejandro Aravena