rafael aranda, carme pigem and ramon vilalta win the 2017 pritzker prize

the trio of architects; rafael aranda, carme pigem and ramon vilalta of RCR arquitectes have received the 2017 pritzker architecture prize. originating from olot, in the catalonian region of spain, they have worked together collaboratively since founding their firm RCR arquitectes in 1988. over the years, their projects including the ‘soulages museum’ in france to the ‘bell–lloc winery’ continue to poetically fulfill the traditional requirements of architecture for physical and spatial beauty along with function and craftsmanship.

the 2017 pritzker prize laureates rafael aranda, carme pigem and ramon vilalta

‘the jury has selected three architects who have been working collaboratively for nearly three decades mr aranda, ms pigem and mr vilalta have had an impact on the discipline far beyond their immediate area their works range from public and private spaces to cultural venues and educational institutions, and their ability to intensely relate the environment specific to each site is a testament to their process and deep integrity.’ – tom pritzker, chairman of hyatt foundation

bell–lloc winery, 2007, palamós, girona, spain
image © hisao suzuki

RCR arquitectes have shown a collaborative way of working through their design process, commitment to architectural vision and within their firm, they share all responsibilities. this led to the selection of the three individuals –for first time in pritzker prize history– to be honored together as the winners of the 39th edition of the prize.

‘it is a great joy and a great responsibility we are thrilled that this year three professionals, who work closely together in everything we do, are recognized.’ – carme pigem comments in response to receiving the prize

les cols restaurant marquee 2011 olot, girona, spain
image © hisao suzuki

‘we live in a globalized world where we must rely on international influences, trade, discussion, transactions, etc but more and more people fear that because of this international influence…we will lose our local values, our local art, and our local customs…rafael aranda, carme pigem and ramon vilalta tell us that it may be possible to have both they help us to see, in a most beautiful and poetic way, that the answer to the question is not ‘either/or’ and that we can, at least in architecture, aspire to have both; our roots firmly in place and our arms outstretched to the rest of the world.’ – the 2017 pritzker prize jury citation

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rafael aranda, carme pigem and ramon vilalta win the 2017 pritzker prize

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