- Source: Xavier Vilalta
Xavier Vilalta (born May 8, 1980) is a Spanish architect and professor. He studied architecture in Barcelona, London, and the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Vilalta combines practice with teaching and lecturing in cultural institutions and venues. He has taught as a professor at Barcelona Tech ETSAB and the University of Lleida.
In 2006 he founded the design firm Vilalta Studio in Barcelona, Spain. With his team, Vilalta developed his early work in Spain followed by international projects in emerging countries in Africa and the Middle East.
His projects have been recognized by international awards such as the Young Architect of the year at the Leaf Awards 2008, and two consecutive awards, 2009 and 2010, the SAIE Selection of the energy exhibition of Bologna in Italy for the sustainability of his projects. In 2011, he became a Fellow of TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design).
Design vision
Xavier Vilalta's work focuses on nature and people as well as how to reconnect the two thinking about our contemporary urban life as part of the environment where Architecture grows from the local natural conditions and traditions.
He is interested in vernacular architecture related to sustainability. He defines sustainability as the relationship between Architecture and the program it contains and its social values, the way it is designed and built and how it will perform in the future.
Awards
Recognitions
2007 - Selected building for the Lleida Architecture Awards 2005-2007: Municipal Kindergarten in Mollerussa, Spain
2008 - 1st prize : Leaf Awards 2008 for Arreletes Day-Care Centre, Els Alamús, Lleida, Spain in the category of young architect
2009 - 3r prize: International Competition: SAIE Selection 09 in BolognaFiere - 11 Urban Houses project.
2010 - Selected building for the Lleida Architecture Awards 2007-2009: Arreletes Day-Care Centre, Els Alamús, Lleida, Spain
2010 - 1st prize : International Competition: SAIE Selection 10 in BolognaFiere - Melaku Center
2011 - TED Fellowship 2011
2013 - International Cooperation Award: Woldya Maternity, Ethiopia - Catalan Architects Association - COAC
2013 - Honorable Mention - MA Prize 13 - Modern Atlanta
2016 - Archdaily 1 of 10 Best Architecture projects of 2016 - Lideta Mercato Shopping mall [1]
2017 - Archdaily Building of the year 2017 - Shortlisted - Lideta Mercato Shopping mall
2017 - Prix Versailles - UNESCO - World winner - Special prize exterior design - Lideta Mercato Shopping mall Prix Versailles
Competitions
2004 - Finalist International Competition: La Encarnación market, square and museum in Seville, Spain.
2006 - 1st prize National Competition for technology innovation for residential construction: 44 dwellings for young people in Sant Vicenç dels Horts, Barcelona, Spain.
2006 - 1st prize: Competition Municipal Kindergarten in Mollerussa, Spain
2008 - 2nd prize competition: “Onze de Setembre” Primary Care Center in Lleida, Spain
2010 - 1st prize: International Restricted Competition: Alpha Project, Doha, Qatar
2010 - Shortlisted: International Competition for New Angola University
2010 - 1st prize: Competition for New Lideta Shopping Center in Ethiopia
2012 - 2nd prize: Competition for the new United Bank Headquarters in Ethiopia
Main projects
Arreletes Day Care Center - Spain
El Niu Kindergarten - Spain
Pla d'Urgell Morgue - Spain
Pro House - Spain
Melaku Center - Ethiopia
Alpha Project - Qatar
Central Highlands University - Angola
Lideta Mercato - Ethiopia
Barcelona Ecological Center - Spain
Ayertena Mall - Ethiopia
Urban Gardens - Qatar
Woldya Maternity - Ethiopia
Cite de Mongamu - DR of the Congo
Articles
From Bullfighting to Eco-Leisure: Spain's Big Shift
A city should look into itself before it’s too late
(in Spanish) Plaza de toros Monumental de Barcelona (Future of Monumental Plaza in Barcelona)
Three creative ideas to light up the world