Ricardo Bofills: The Visionary Architect Whose Bold Designs Captivated the World.

Ricardo Bofills was an architect who pushed the boundaries of traditional design and brought a unique vision to every project he tackled.

Bofills was born in Barcelona, Spain, in 1939 and studied architecture at the Escola Tècnica Superior d'Arquitectura de Barcelona. Bofills quickly gained a reputation for his innovative style, which combined elements of surrealism, modernism, and neoclassicism. He founded his own architectural firm, called Taller de Arquitectura, which became known for designing buildings that challenged traditional notions of space and form.

One of Bofills' most iconic projects was La Muralla Roja, or “The Red Wall”, a residential complex located in the seaside town of Calpe, Spain. Completed in 1973, the building is instantly recognizable for its bold geometric design and bright, bold colours.

Images of La Muralla Roja courtesy of Ricardo Bofills.

Inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, Bofills designed La Muralla Roja to incorporate the natural landscape and offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The building features interlocking blocks and terraces painted in shades of red, blue, and pink, with each apartment containing its own private terrace.

Images of La Muralla Roja courtesy of Ricardo Bofills.

La Muralla Roja is more than just a residential complex - it's a work of art that challenges viewers to reconsider their notions of what buildings should look like. Its winding staircases and passageways encourage exploration, while its communal spaces like the pool and sunbathing area promote community and connection.

Images of La Muralla Roja courtesy of Ricardo Bofills.

Over the years, La Muralla Roja has become an iconic piece of postmodern architecture, admired by architects and design enthusiasts all over the world. Its striking appearance and unique design have made it a popular destination for tourists, and it has even been featured in films and television shows.

One of the most recent examples of this was in the hit Netflix series, Squid Game. The show's director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, was inspired by the unique appearance of La Muralla Roja and included it as a key location in the show.

In Squid Game, the building serves as the backdrop for the game's final challenge, a death-defying climb up a precarious staircase. The bright colours and geometric shapes of La Muralla Roja create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, adding to the show's intense and otherworldly feel.

Images courtesy of Netflix.

The appearance of La Muralla Roja in Squid Game has once again brought the building to the forefront of public consciousness, reminding people of the enduring legacy of Ricardo Bofills and his innovative approach to architecture.

Bofills' work on La Muralla Roja cemented his reputation as a trailblazing architect, unafraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas. He continued to design buildings around the world, but La Muralla Roja remained a beloved masterpiece that captured his unique creative vision.

Bofills passed away in 2021, his impact on the world of architecture and design lives on, and his buildings, like La Muralla Roja, continue to inspire and captivate people all over the world.

We’ve personally been inspired by his work. Influenced by his bold shapes and colours, and taking architectural elements from the La Muralla Roja, we’ve created a vase collection called ‘Architecture’. The ‘window’, ‘stairs’ and ‘gate’ all offer unique modern vases that have personality and will add character to your space. Hand-made from premium porcelain with a satin finish, each vase has been carefully made and shipped to you in a velvet bag.

Find our Bofill inspired 'Architecture' collection here.