Graduating from the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura de Barcelona in 1979, Carme Pinós established a career defined by civic infrastructure and urban interventions. Her architectural output spans international borders, moving from the collaborative works of her early partnership to the distinct portfolio produced by her independent studio based in her native Spain.
Collaborative Foundations
From 1982 until 1991, Pinós operated a professional partnership with Enric Miralles. This tenure yielded critical projects such as the Igualada Cemetery and the archery range buildings constructed for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. During this period, the firm received the FAD Award for the La Llauna School and the City of Barcelona Prize for their work on Olympic facilities.
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Following the dissolution of her partnership in 1991, Pinós founded her own studio to supervise existing projects and initiate new commissions. Her subsequent portfolio includes the Cube Tower in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the CaixaForum Zaragoza. In Barcelona, her firm completed the Gardunya Square, a housing block, and the Massana Fine Arts School. Her international footprint also includes the Novoli housing complex in Florence.
Academic Contributions
Beyond practice, Pinós has maintained an extensive academic career. She has served as a guest professor at institutions including Harvard University, Columbia University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. Her teaching roles further extend to the USI Academy of Architecture, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, and her alma mater in Barcelona.
Professional Recognition
Pinós has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the field. These include the National Architecture Award of Spain, the Fernando García Mercadal Architecture Prize, and the Prix des femmes architectes. In 2023, she was honored with the Prat de la Riba Award, and in 2025, she was included in the list of most influential women in Catalonia.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Barcelona, Spain
- Education: Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura de Barcelona
- Notable Works: New Igualada Cemetery, CaixaForum Zaragoza, Massana School
- Awards: National Architecture Award of Spain, Prat de la Riba Award (2023)
- Occupations: Architect, product designer
Questions readers ask
Did Carme Pinós work with Enric Miralles?
Yes, they operated a partnership from 1982 until 1991.
Is the Cube Tower one of her designs?
Yes, the Cube Tower located in Guadalajara, Mexico, is a project completed by Estudio Carme Pinós.
Achievements
- Notable work: New Igualada Cemetery
- Notable work: CaixaForum Zaragoza
- Notable work: Massana School
- Fernando García Mercadal Architecture Prize
- FAD Awards
- Vives University Network Medal of Honor
- Trained at Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura de Barcelona and Polytechnic University of Catalonia
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