UIC Barcelona School of Architecture lecturer Enrique Rovira-Beleta Cuyás was recently named winner of the Commitment and Inspirational Leadership Award at the 13th edition of the Randstad Awards, which the foundation presents each year to acknowledge the work of people, companies, institutions and media outlets that facilitate the workplace integration of people at risk of social exclusion.

In the words of the organisation, “Enrique Rovira-Beleta is a leading figure in the field of accessibility and creator of the so-called unnoticed accessibility concept”. In this regard, the jury, in an official statement released by the Randstad Foundation, underscored his professional pursuits at the helm of Rovira-Beleta Accesibilidad Architecture Studio and Consultancy Firm, “recognised nationally and internationally for its work promoting accessibility”.  

The awards ceremony was held on 29 May at the Madrid Casino and featured the president of the entity, Rodrigo Martín, and Mario Garcés, State secretary for Social Services and Equality. During the event, lecturer Enrique Rovira-Beleta expressed his gratitude for having received this distinction and pointed out that, “this award recognises our efforts over the past 35 years to improve the quality of life of all people, particularly those with severe motor, sensory or cognitive disabilities. As professionals, all of us at the studio have continued to work even in the most difficult of times, without institutional support”.  He also dedicated the award to his partner, Ana Folch, the studio staff and his clients. 

Enrique Rovira-Beleta teaches the compulsory subject Accessibility at the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture and directs the Postgraduate Degree in Accessibility and Design for All, the eighth edition of which is due to start next year. In the professional sphere, he has worked as an architect specialising in accessibility and the eradication of architectural barriers for over three decades. Some of his most prominent projects include the accessibility plans for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic and Paralympic Games, EXPO Zaragoza 2008 and the Alhambra in Granada. He is currently involved in projects for FC Barcelona’s Johan Cruyff Stadium, the National Theatre of Catalonia and the Barcelona public transport network (TMB).

“This award is an incentive to keep working in this field, which over the next decade will generate many jobs, as Spanish families are ageing and everyone will want to continue to live with as much independence as possible”, concluded Enrique Rovira-Beleta.