Enric Sòria, born in Barcelona in 1937, is a distinguished Spanish architect whose career has been marked by a commitment to rationalist principles and a focus on the functional geometry of design. After graduating from the School of Architecture in Barcelona (ETSAB) in 1970, Sòria worked under Oriol Bohigas, where he met Jordi Garcés. The duo’s early collaborations, such as the conversion of the Santa Lucía asylum into the CosmoCaixa science museum (1978-1980) and the renovation of the Picasso Museum (1981-1987), became defining examples of their approach, which blended modernity with respect for historical context. 

In addition to his architectural practice, Sòria has been an influential educator, teaching at several institutions, including ETSAB, ELISAVA, and La Salle School of Architecture.  One of his most well-known design collaborations with Garcés is the Sylvestrina table lamp, a modern reinterpretation of the traditional oil lamp, which has since become a design classic. In 2019, the lamp was reissued by Santa & Cole as a portable LED version, highlighting the ability of the pair to merge industrial design with architectural sensibilities. In 2014, Sòria received the Ciutat de Barcelona Prize for his work on the restoration and transformation of the Borne Market into a cultural center, a project that exemplifies his ongoing commitment to preserving and revitalizing urban spaces. Today, Sòria continues to lead architectural projects at his studio, focusing on civic and public infrastructure across Spain.

 

Jordi Garcés, born in Barcelona in 1945, is a prominent Spanish architect whose work has significantly influenced both the architectural landscape of Catalonia and the broader design world. After graduating from Barcelona’s School of Architecture (ETSAB) in 1970, Garcés worked in the studio of renowned architect Oriol Bohigas, where he met Enric Sòria. Together, they founded the Garcés-Sòria studio, a key force in the rationalist architectural movement.  

In addition to his architectural practice, Garcés is a dedicated educator, having taught at EINA and ETSAB for over four decades. His academic contributions are complemented by his involvement in design, notably through iconic pieces such as the Sylvestrina table lamp, originally created with Sòria in the early 1980s.  In 2010, Jordi Garcés designed the extension of the Picasso Museum that he had refurbished 30 years earlier. He currently works in an architectural studio where he designs public infrastructure and other buildings, including metro stations, civic centers, and schools, both in Spain and abroad. His ongoing work reflects a commitment to thoughtful, functional design and the enduring legacy of his early explorations in architecture and industrial design.

 

ABOUT SANTA & COLE

Santa & Cole was established in 1985 as a small, independent firm dedicated to editing and publishing design objects for use in both private and public spaces. Located in Barcelona, Spain, they produce designs in collaboration with their extensive network of local suppliers and global partners, including those in Japan, where the washi paper for the Tekiò lighting collection is produced.

Following a decade of upheaval caused by a dictatorship, founders Nina Masó, Javier Nieto Santa, and Gabriel Ordeig began creating exceptional lighting for some of Barcelona's most famous bars. They advocated for the use of natural materials such as wood, stitched cardboard, and ribbons. The classic Básica lamp was developed during this time, shifting the aesthetic from the technical and cold materials of the era to a warmer, more human aesthetic.

Today, Santa & Cole continues its quest to enhance and enrich people's lives through designs that have become iconic while remaining accessible to all. Committed to this mission, the company looks to history to inform its future, approaching its design practice with a modern sensibility and a desire for human connection.