RCR Arquitectes

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 served as an advisor to the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. In 2008, they initiated the International Workshop at Espai Barberí, a collaborative space for architectural experimentation. In 2013, they established the RCR BUNKA Foundation, focused on promoting architecture, culture, and creative thought. In 2017, they created RCR LABA, an architectural laboratory in Vall de Bianya dedicated to research and creative transversality.

Over the years, the studio has received numerous accolades:

- National Culture Award 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 Architecture Prize (2017)

- Gold Medal from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2018)

- CAM-SAM Medal from the Mexico City Association of Architects (2020)

- Fundació Catalunya Cultura Prize (2024)

Additionally, they have been recognised as honorary members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA, 2010), international members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA, 2012), and members of the French Academy of Architecture (2019).

The work of RCR Arquitectes has evolved with the addition of new co-authors, including 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 the ETSA Vallés in 1987. Since 2014, he has been a lecturer in the Master’s Degree in Architecture at Universidad Nebrija, Madrid. In 2017, he received the Pritzker Architecture Prize alongside his partners.

Carme Pigem was born in Olot in 1962 and studied at the School of Fine Arts of Olot (1977-79) before graduating as an architect from the ETSA Vallés in 1987. She taught design projects at the ETSA Vallés (1992-99) and the ETSABarcelona (1997-2003). In 2017, she was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Ramon Vilalta was born in Vic in 1960 and began his early training at the School of Fine Arts of Olot (1973-76). He graduated as an architect from the ETSA Vallés in 1987 and completed a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture at the ETSA Barcelona (1987-89). He taught urbanism and landscape architecture at the ETSA Vallés between 1989 and 2001. In 2017, he was honoured with the Pritzker Architecture Prize alongside his partners.

Read an excerpt on our blog: “Essential Approaches to the Landscape. A Conversation with RCR, by Santiago de Molina” →

Texts

• Essential Approaches to the Landscape. A Conversation with Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta
  Santiago de Molina
• Vulcan's Workshop: The Architecture of RCR
  Philip Ursprung

Works and projects

• Perelada Winery
• Vide Pavilion
• Alwah House
• Dar Al Marefa School
• Michael Gröller Footbridge
• Arts and Cultural Centre Île Seguin
• Seibert Bridge
• Mas Nou
• Rouleau House
• La Parada
• City of Water
• Palmares Complex
• Soulages Museum Extension
• Students Sports & Activities Centre
• New Satellite Terminal at El Prat
• Lázaro Dental Clinic
• Barcelona-Sants Train Station Extension
• Art Gallery
• Muraba Veil