Gabriel Ordeig Cole

Gabriel Ordeig Cole was born in London to a Catalan father and English mother, before moving to Barcelona with his family in 1960. Initially interested in philosophy at university, he soon branched out into design, gaining a BA at East Ham College (1974) and Cardiff Arts School (1975-1978) in the UK. His immersion in the art world intensified when he co-founded Free Difusión in 1978, an avant-garde music company, while exploring his first forays into concert set design.

Gabriel Ordeig subsequently flourished as a designer, working alongside the renowned Carles Riart on film sets and engaging in interior design and lighting projects in Barcelona. His diverse portfolio includes successful collaborations on iconic projects such as the Groupe Films offices (1983), the Al Dente and Fonda Europa restaurants, as well as renowned bars and nightclubs. In 1985, he was one of the founders of Santa & Cole, a pioneering publisher of design products in Barcelona, where he brought valuable expertise as co-publisher and contributed to the renaissance of the Catalan design scene.

Gabriel Ordeig leaves behind an indelible design legacy, having helped push back the boundaries of creativity and aesthetics. His commitment to innovation and influence on the design scene are commemorated in publications and tributes, including the monograph published in 2005 by Santa & Cole and ETSAB, which celebrates his work and impact on contemporary design. His eloquence on light as an intangible but essential element of design testifies to his deep passion and commitment to his craft, leaving a lasting legacy in the design industry.