Alvaro Catalán de Ocón is a renowned Spanish designer recognized for his dedication to the field of design with a focus on protest-related projects, aesthetic expressiveness and practicality in his creations. He’s a leading figure among a new generation of Spanish designers who emphasize personal vision, social responsibility, and sustainability in their work, shaping the present and future of design.
Catalán de Ocón’s designs are characterized by a strong focus on social and environmental responsibility. He began his career after studying Industrial Design at the Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan, and the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, subsequently founding his studio in Barcelona. Notable creations include the La Flaca lamp, the PET Lamp project that combines PET plastic bottles with artisan craftsmanship, and the Plastic Rivers rug collection made from recycled PET plastic.
His work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the VitraHaus, Rossana Orlandi Gallery, and the London Design Museum. His products are part of various museum collections, including the Center Pompidou, National Gallery of Victoria, MAK and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Alvaro’s innovative approach involves combining traditional crafts from different parts of the world with industrial manufacturing processes to create functional and contemporary objects that address social and ecological issues. ACdO/, co-founded alongside Enrique Romero de la Llana and Sebastian Betanzo, serves as a platform for self-producing and marketing his most personal projects.
He has also received numerous awards, including the Spanish National Design Award in the professional category, recognizing his significant contributions to Spanish design in the 21st century. Catalán de Ocón’s work emphasizes collaboration, sustainability, and intercultural respect in the world of design.
