Ricardo Bofill (Barcelona, 5th December 1939) is a Spanish architect and urban planner of Jewish origin. He is considered to be one of the leading representatives of the postmodern. His designs manage to maintain the clarity of lines typical of all that is contemporary, while abandoning pure forms. His buildings incorporate classical elements such as columns and arches that are immediately aesthetically and structurally pleasing and comprehensible. Bofill is the author of an extensive collection of theoretical work. Amongst the many books he has published are Espacio y Vida (Space and Life), La Ciudad del Arqutecto (The City of the Architect) and El Dibujo de la Ciudad (The Design of the City). Throughout his career, Bofill has received numerous awards and recognitions. In 1983, he was called upon by the Graham Foundation to hold classes in Chicago. In 1985, he was appointed as an honorary member of the American Institute of Architecture in the United States.