Nómada Estudio Urbano composes water-inspired PLUP Pavilion
PLUP Pavilion is an installation developed as part of ISAD’s Desert Workshop 2024, transforming public space into an interactive structure that references water, a critical yet scarce resource in the Chihuahua Desert. The design by Nómada Estudio Urbano draws inspiration from the movement of a water droplet, translating its fluidity into an architectural form. The pavilion reinterprets the historic fountains of Parque Lerdo through participatory design methodologies and spatial interventions that emphasize memory, identity, and sustainability.
Since 2012, ISAD’s Desert Workshop has functioned as an experimental platform for architectural exploration, where students design and construct temporary or semi-permanent structures that address urban and social challenges. The 2024 iteration follows a co-design approach rooted in placemaking and tactical urbanism. The process involved collective decision-making, material reuse, and rapid prototyping, reinforcing the adaptability of public spaces. The pavilion’s form consists of vertical strips of handwoven, recycled PVC cord—totaling over three kilometers—suspended from a circular framework. This composition simulates the motion of rainfall, creating an immersive space defined by movement and light permeability. The radial structure reflects the expanding ripples of water, reinforcing the conceptual connection between the built form and its environmental context. Designed for sustainability, the materials used in the installation will be repurposed in future academic projects, integrating a circular lifecycle approach.
all images courtesy of Nómada Estudio Urbano
PLUP Pavilion’s flowing shapes encourage movement and play
Parque Lerdo holds historical significance as the site of Chihuahua’s first aqueduct and potable water source. PLUP pavilion, designed by the creative team of Nómada Estudio Urbano, reactivates this urban narrative, reinforcing the connection between public space and the essential role of water in shaping the city.
As a visual and spatial reference to water’s presence in an arid environment, the installation highlights its importance in urban life and ecological balance. The design, with its flowing shapes and water-inspired colors, also encourages interaction through movement and play, integrating urban furniture that enhances accessibility and invites engagement, particularly for children. Aligning with sustainable development principles, the pavilion reflects water’s dual significance as both a necessary resource and a shared cultural element. By combining historical context, material innovation, and spatial experimentation, PLUP serves as both an architectural installation and a reflection on the relationship between urban environments and natural resources.
PLUP Pavilion transforms public space into an interactive structure inspired by water
the installation references the movement of a water droplet through its architectural form
designed by Nómada Estudio Urbano, the pavilion highlights water as a vital yet scarce resource
vertical strips of handwoven, recycled PVC cord simulate the motion of rainfall
