The career of Joan Margarit i Consarnau balanced the precise demands of structural engineering with the lyrical exploration of the Catalan language. Dividing his focus between the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and his personal literary pursuits, he established a career that bridged technical calculation and artistic expression, ultimately securing international recognition for his extensive body of poetry and architectural service.
Architectural Foundation and Teaching
Born in 1938 in Sanaüja, Spain, Margarit pursued formal architecture studies in Barcelona after returning from the Canary Islands in 1956. By 1968, he began his tenure as a Professor of Structural Calculations at the Technical School of Architecture, an institution affiliated with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. This academic post remained a cornerstone of his professional life, while his private practice thrived in Sant Just Desvern. From 1980, he operated this practice alongside his associate and friend, Carles Buxadé.
Literary Development and Linguistic Shift
Margarit commenced his publishing career in 1963 with work written in Spanish. Following a decade-long hiatus, he resumed his writing with the assistance of Joaquim Marco, who directed the Ocnos series for Barral Editores. By the 1980s, his creative output transitioned primarily into the Catalan language. This shift was marked by the publication of works such as L'ombra de l'altre mar and Vell malentès. His influence expanded through translations into English, Russian, and Hebrew, while his public presence was bolstered by collaborative recitations set to music by artists including Miquel Poveda and Gerard Quintana.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Recognition and Institutional Roles
Throughout his life, Margarit received significant accolades for his dual contributions to literature and engineering. He was named an Academician of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2003, a position he held until 2021. His literary prestige grew with the 2008 Premi Nacional de Literatura and the 2008 Premio Nacional de Poesía, awarded for his volume Casa de Misericòrdia. In 2019, he reached the pinnacle of Spanish letters by receiving the Miguel de Cervantes Prize. He also served as a member of the Institute of Catalan Studies within its Science and Technology Section.
Final Years
Margarit maintained his residence in Sant Just Desvern for over four decades, starting in 1975. He continued writing and teaching until his health declined. On 16 February 2021, he died at the age of 82 following a struggle with cancer. His legacy remains tied to his ability to reconcile the rigid mathematics of his architectural field with the emotional resonance of his poetry.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Sanaüja, Spain
- Died: 2021, Sant Just Desvern, Spain
- Primary Languages: Spanish and Catalan
- Academic Role: Professor of Structural Calculations
- Highest Literary Honor: Miguel de Cervantes Prize (2019)
- Professional Associate: Carles Buxadé
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Joan Margarit teach?
He served as a Professor of Structural Calculations at the Technical School of Architecture, part of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.
Did he write primarily in Spanish or Catalan?
While he began his career writing in Spanish in 1963, he shifted his focus to the Catalan language starting in 1980.
What is his connection to the Royal Academy of Engineering?
Margarit served as an Academician of the Royal Academy of Engineering of Spain from 2003 until his death in 2021.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Polytechnic University of Catalonia
- Worked as architect, writer and poet
