The Laboratorios Jorba, known as La Pagoda, stood as a testament to technical innovation in Madrid until its demolition in 1999. Designed by Miguel Fisac, the building exemplified his shift away from conventional structural forms. His career spanned architecture, urban planning, and painting, establishing him as a significant figure in twentieth-century Spanish design through a distinctive body of work.
Professional Formation and Early Career
Born in 1913 in Daimiel, Spain, Fisac relocated to Madrid at age seventeen to pursue architectural studies. He enrolled at the Superior Technical School of Architecture of Madrid and completed his education at the Technical University of Madrid, graduating in 1942. His early adult life included membership in the Catholic organization Opus Dei from 1935 to 1955, a period during which he fled to France during the Spanish Civil War before returning to his home country.
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Fisac produced a diverse range of buildings that define his legacy. Notable projects include the iglesia de San Pedro Mártir, the Villanueva de Perales town hall, and the Casa de la Cultura in Villanueva de Perales. He was also responsible for the Centro de Estudios Hidrográficos, the iglesia de Santa Ana y Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, the Moroder Building, and the Edificio Vega in Madrid. His portfolio additionally features the headquarters of the Secretaría General de Pesca del Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente.
Awards and Later Recognition
His contribution to Spanish architecture earned him numerous honors, including the Gold Medal of Architecture in 1994 and the National Architecture Award of Spain in 2002. He was also distinguished with the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit, the Knight Commander of the Order of Alfonso X, and the Commander of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. Fisac passed away in Madrid in 2006 at the age of 93.
Fast facts
- Born: 1913, Daimiel, Spain
- Died: 2006, Madrid, Spain
- Primary Occupations: Architect, Urban Planner, Painter
- Alma Mater: Technical University of Madrid
- Major Award: National Architecture Award of Spain (2002)
- Notable Lost Work: La Pagoda (1967–1999)
Questions readers ask
What was Miguel Fisac's relationship with Opus Dei?
Fisac was a member of the organization from 1935 until 1955. In later years, he publicly criticized the group and its founder, Josemaría Escrivá.
What is the status of the La Pagoda building?
Designed as the Laboratorios Jorba in Madrid, the structure was demolished in 1999.
Achievements
- Notable work: iglesia de San Pedro Mártir
- Notable work: Villanueva de Perales town hall
- Notable work: Casa de la Cultura, Villanueva de Perales
- Notable work: iglesia de Santa Ana y Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza
- National Architecture Award of Spain
- Commander of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
- Gold Medal of Architecture (Spain)
- Trained at Technical University of Madrid and Superior Technical School of Architecture of Madrid
