We make architecture the same way we interpret the world. Each of us embraces an order of values and principles; how we respect the other is what delineates and marks our idea of space, including our physical interventions. Carme Pinós starts with the concept of ‘universal connection’ where everything is linked; an action rebounds off another, transforming it and generating a new one. Her position is one of dialogue, and she strives to generate this dialogue through architecture. In this sense she sees architecture as a catalyst for relationships, a place of intersections and encounters. Whenever possible, she designs places where movements and routes intersect and exchange, spaces where people identify as part of a community, but also feel they belong to universality.

CARME PINÓS set up her own studio in 1991 after winning international recognition for her work with Enric Miralles. Since then, she has worked on numerous projects ranging from urban refurbishments and public works to furniture design. Her sharp approach to design, anchored by a constant focus on experimentation and research, has made her work garner worldwide recognition at the same time that Barcelona architecture has cemented its own identity and reputation throughout Europe and South and North America.

Her current projects include the Regional Office of the Generalitat in Tortosa (Spain); the architectural set composed by Gardunya Square, Massana School of Arts, a housing block and the west façade of the popular La Boqueria Market in the Historical District of Barcelona (Spain); and the Masterplan for the historic centre of Saint Dizier (France), where she is also carrying out various interventions in public spaces. Among her most significant completed recent projects are the Departments Building of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (Austria), the Cube II Towers in Guadalajara (Mexico), the Caixaforum Cultural and Exhibition Centre in Zaragoza (Spain), the metro station Zona Universitaria in Barcelona and the Crematorium in the Igualada Cemetery (Spain).

Pinós combines work as an architect with teaching, and is actively involved in the development and delivery of seminars, courses and workshops worldwide. She has been guest professor at several higher education institutions, including the IUAV of Venice, Architecture Schools of Paris, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf, Columbia University in New York, l’Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, Accademia di Archittetura di Mendrisio in Switzerland, Universitá di Roma Tre in Italy, among others. In 2016 she was awarded the Richard J. Neutra Medal for Professional Excellence by the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, in recognition of her career. She received the 2016 Berkeley-Rupp Architecture Professorship and Prize valuing her contribution to promoting the advancement of women in the field of architecture and her commitment to the community.

In 2015 she was honoured with the Creu de Sant Jordi Medal, one of the highest civil distinctions awarded by the Catalan Government to individuals and organisations for their cultural and social services. She received the First Prize at the 2008 Spanish Biennial of Architecture, the National Award for Public Architecture by the Catalan Government in 2008, and the National Architecture Award by the High Council of Spanish Architects. She was named Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2011 and RIBA International Fellow in 2013 for her outstanding contribution to architecture. Her work has been widely exhibited in several galleries, museums and universities. The Centre Pompidou acquired the scale models of the Caixaforum Zaragoza in Spain, the Hotel Pizota in Mexico, and the Maison de l’Algérie of Paris. The model of the Cube I Tower currently belongs to the collection of New York’s MOMA. In 2012 Carme Pinós launched OBJECTS, a collection of products designed, produced and commercialized by her own studio. International Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects since 2012 Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects since 2011 Council Member of the National Museum of Architecture and Urbanism of Spain since 2008 Member of the Architects Association of Catalunya since 1987 This lecture -- located at the BAMPFA Osher Theater -- is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6pm. This lecture is sponsored by the Berkeley-Rupp Professorship and Prize Fund with Berkeley Arts + Design. This event is part of the Spring 2018 Architecture Lecture Series.

Image: Tortosa Headquarters | copyright © JArenas