Enric Franch Miret: Pioneer of Spanish Industrial Design

Enric Franch Miret (Barcelona, 1943 – March 31, 2024) was an influential Catalan industrial designer and architect, renowned for his innovative approach that successfully integrated functionality, aesthetics, and artistic expression.

Education and Career

Franch began his professional career in 1968 and was an active member of key design associations such as ADP, ADI-FAD, BEDA, and the Design Research Society. Between 1976 and 1979, he served on the board of FAD under the presidency of Antoni de Moragas. He also led the studio DPC (Diseño y Producciones Culturales), dedicated to industrial design projects for cultural institutions and private clients. Additionally, he curated the Primavera del Diseño cycles in 1995 and 1997 and distinguished himself as an educator, spreading his creativity in various academic institutions.

Iconic Work: The “Calder” Lamp (1975)

One of his most emblematic creations is the “Calder” table lamp, designed in 1975 for Metalarte. This piece became a milestone of Catalan design in the 1970s thanks to its ingenious counterweight system and a nearly one-meter oscillating arm that allowed for smooth and stable movement. Its heavy conical base integrated both the transformer and dimmer, while its structure used materials such as lacquered aluminum, iron, and a spherical counterweight. The lamp was selected for the prestigious ADI-FAD Delta Awards in 1977 and showcased in the Design Spain exhibition during Europalia 1985 in Brussels.

Legacy and Influence

Enric Franch left a profound mark on the Spanish design landscape through his creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and critical vision. His Calder lamp remains a testament to his ability to merge functionality with sculptural elegance, celebrated today as an icon of Spanish industrial design.