A cup of coffee with RCR Arquitectes

Written by: Anna Díaz

They have just won the 2017 Pritzker: it's like the Nobel Prize for architecture and it’s considered the most prestigious award in the sector. The stars of the victorious RCR Arquitectes studio, Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramón Vilalta, sat down with us for 5-minute interview despite their busy schedules.

How do you perceive architecture and what does it mean to you?

It's the art of materializing your dreams on a long journey.

Do you believe that in a globalized world, it’s hard to distinguish a city’s DNA through architecture?

It is becoming increasingly difficult.

What drove you to open your own architecture studio without first working for a recognized one?

The desire to create, to plan ahead and to grow...

Your studio is located in olot, how does your location influence your projects?

We are all a product of our environment.

What led to the shift from local to international recognition?

Our work was published in 'El Croquis', a Spanish architecture magazine with international circulation.

What does the Pritzker prize mean to you? Is it like there's a before and after?

Like we said in our acceptance speech: "Joy, emotion, pride, humility, respect, responsibility and admiration for those who have preceded us and for those who will succeed us".

They say artists leave a part of themselves in their work. Is this true in your case?

Of course, your work is a part of you and you’re a part of your work.

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

Nature.

We have heard you share something special with the country of Japan. Is that true?

To quote our acceptance speech again: “Being in Japan is like being in a palace, it awakens dormant feelings from when we began our professional journey. When we first visited Japan we explored its rich culture; we embraced its lust for perfection and love for nature. We have retained something from that country, and carry it with us everywhere we go.”

Is there a project that you would love to take on?

The one that's currently on our table. We always enjoy the project we're working on.

Is there a type of landscape that emboldens you?

A landscape bathed in the light of dawn.

What song inspires you the most?

Silence.

And finally, if you hadn't dedicated yourselves to architecture, what would you have been instead?

Ourselves.