06. Competition “Pro dignificación del hogar popular”. 1954

Winner: Antoni Moragas
Organizers: FAD and the National Housing Institute

In 1954, the FAD (Foment de les Arts Decoratives), in conjunction with the National Housing Institute, held a competition called “Pro dignificación del hogar popular” [In favour of dignifying popular housing]. The aim purpose not only to create alternative to the housing products being consumed by the bourgeoisie, but also to address the problem of housing for the working classes and its furnishings.
Antoni de Moragas won first prize with a 49-piece system in which “each user can design their own furniture like playing with a simple Meccano construction set,” according to the author’s own words. The system was based on a construction made from calibrated steel tubing and wood, two materials easily found on the market at the time. His proposal was included within a normalizing line of work, which permitted large constructions at a low cost regardless of where they would be installed, during a moment of duality between modern and traditionalist currents.