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Tucked away on the cliffs of Calpe, Spain, La Muralla Roja (The Red Wall) is a structure that feels more like a dream than a building. Designed by the visionary architect Ricardo Bofill, this postmodern masterpiece blends vibrant colours and bold geometric design to create a surreal, maze-like world. Its influence is unmistakable in the iconic staircase scenes of Netflix’s Squid Game.

Ricardo Bofill – The Architect Who Dreamed in Colour

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In 1973, Bofill set out to create a space that defied convention, drawing inspiration from the fortified casbahs of North Africa. La Muralla Roja was not just meant to be a residence but an experience. Its interconnected staircases, courtyards, and platforms form a labyrinth designed to provoke curiosity and encourage exploration.

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The structure’s vivid colours serve both aesthetic and emotional purposes. Reds and pinks reflect the warmth of the Mediterranean, while blues and violets echo the tranquillity of the sea. These choices weren’t just for beauty; they created an environment that felt alive, surreal, and distinctly Mediterranean.

A Labyrinth of Inspiration

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The staircases in Squid Game immediately evoke La Muralla Roja’s iconic design. While the show’s director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, credited M.C. Escher’s lithograph Relativity as a primary inspiration, the visual parallels with Bofill’s creation are striking.

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Both the series and La Muralla Roja share vibrant colours and intricate, non-linear pathways that create a sense of surrealism and disorientation. In Squid Game, the pastel-coloured maze of staircases becomes a psychological trap, amplifying the tension and confusion faced by contestants. This interplay between design and emotion mirrors Bofill’s intent with La Muralla Roja to challenge perceptions and immerse people in an almost transcendental environment.

An Enduring Legacy

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Though La Muralla Roja has inspired countless artistic works, it remains a private residence. For its inhabitants, navigating its winding pathways is part of daily life and a reminder that great architecture is not just something to admire but to live in. Over the years, this architectural marvel has become a muse for filmmakers, designers, and photographers. Its influence on Squid Game introduced millions to Ricardo Bofill’s genius, solidifying its place as a cultural icon.

La Muralla Roja is more than a building. It’s a story, a symbol, and an experience that continues to captivate. Its dreamlike design, now immortalised in Squid Game, demonstrates the power of architecture to evoke emotion and tell a tale that challenges the ordinary.