At Optima®, we believe in recognizing and celebrating the groundbreaking contributions of women in architecture who have reshaped the built environment through innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for nature. In our ongoing series highlighting the achievements of influential women in the field, we turn our attention to Carme Pigem, a visionary architect whose work aligns with our own commitment to thoughtful design that harmonizes with its surroundings.

As one of the most influential women in contemporary architecture, Carme Pigem has carved out an indelible place in the history of modern design. Known for her minimalistic yet deeply contextual approach to architecture, Pigem’s thoughtful approach to blending structures with nature reflects many of the values we uphold at Optima®: sustainability, respect for the environment, and the creation of spaces that elevate the human experience.  And as co-founder of RCR Arquitectes, Pigem has proven that architecture can be a thoughtful, collaborative endeavor that marries local tradition with bold innovation.

Early Life and Education
Born in 1962 in Olot, Spain, Carme Pigem grew up surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Catalonia. This early connection to nature would later deeply inform her architectural vision. After completing her studies at the Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura del Vallès (ETSAV) in 1987, Pigem co-founded RCR Arquitectes with Rafael Aranda and Ramon Vilalta, both of whom she had studied with. The three would go on to develop a close working partnership that has spanned decades, leading to numerous acclaimed projects and prestigious awards.

The RCR Arquitectes Vision
Founded in 1988, RCR Arquitectes is not just an architectural firm but a philosophy. The trio’s approach to architecture is rooted in the integration of structure with nature, often allowing the landscape itself to dictate design choices. Based in their hometown of Olot, RCR Arquitectes works with the unique qualities of the volcanic region to create spaces that are inextricably linked to their surroundings. The firm’s projects are known for their seamless blending of materials such as glass, metal, and stone, with an acute awareness of light and space.

Key Projects
One of Pigem’s most renowned projects is the Les Cols Restaurant Pavilion in Olot. This minimalist pavilion, with its use of transparent glass and steel, creates an ethereal space that seemingly dissolves into the surrounding gardens. The project earned widespread recognition for its innovative use of materials and its emphasis on transparency and connection with nature.

Another significant project is the Bell-Lloc Winery in Palamós, Spain. The winery’s subterranean design responds to the landscape’s rolling hills and uses local materials to blend into its environment. The building creates a dialogue between architecture and viticulture, with its long, narrow passageways mirroring the rows of vines outside.

Musée Soulages, Rodez, France. Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem et Ramon Vilalta, RCR Arquitectes. Credit: francois.sorrentino on Flickr Creative Commons, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

But perhaps the most emblematic project of Pigem’s work is the Soulages Museum in Rodez, France. Dedicated to the French artist Pierre Soulages, the museum is designed to reflect the artist’s use of black and light. Pigem and her team opted for steel as the primary material, referencing the industrial landscape while giving the museum a sense of weight and permanence. The result is a space that honors the work of the artist while integrating into the broader landscape of the city.

Pritzker Prize and Recognition
In 2017, Carme Pigem, along with her RCR Arquitectes partners, was awarded the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize—often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Architecture.” This was a historic moment, not just for Pigem personally, but for women in architecture. It marked the first time a trio had won the award, and Pigem became one of the few women to receive architecture’s highest honor.

The Pritzker jury commended RCR Arquitectes for their ability to create spaces that are both local and universal, writing, “Their works are powerful and emotional, connecting people to place and space through buildings that are intensely experiential.”

Biblioteca Sant Antoni-Joan Oliver, Barcelona. Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem et Ramon Vilalta, RCR Arquitectes. Credit: Zarateman on Wikimedia Creative Commons, made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Carme Pigem’s Legacy
As a woman in architecture, Carme Pigem has consistently defied the odds in a male-dominated industry. Her architectural language is one of empathy, where each project is meticulously crafted to reflect the culture, history, and landscape of its site. Pigem’s career is a testament to the idea that architecture should be a collaborative and inclusive practice that pushes boundaries while respecting the natural and built environments.

Her ability to foster deep connections between architecture and nature continues to influence a new generation of architects who are more aware of their ecological and social responsibilities. Pigem’s focus on sustainability and harmony with the landscape aligns perfectly with Optima’s architectural philosophy, where design meets nature to create spaces that enhance the well-being of their inhabitants.

Carme Pigem’s work embodies the spirit of modern architecture: innovative, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the environment. Through her collaborations at RCR Arquitectes, she has demonstrated that architecture can be both a personal and collective journey—one that invites nature into the conversation and emphasizes thoughtful, human-centered design. As we continue to celebrate women in architecture, Carme Pigem stands out as a pioneer who has reshaped the way we think about our built environment and its relationship with the world around us.