Students at the Instituto Superior de Arquitectura y Diseño (ISAD) in Chihuahua crafted “Paso Nara,” a striking structure made from plywood, inspired by the fluid movement of Rarámuri women’s skirts. Introduced on July 25, 2026, the installation is set in the Plaza de Armas, positioned at the intersection of Avenida Independencia and Calle Victoria. This pedestrian space transforms a former roadway into a vibrant public area. By September, it was highlighted at the Mextrópoli festival in Mexico City’s Alameda Central, alongside nine other innovative pavilions.
Shade as a necessity, not a luxury
In Chihuahua’s intense climate, the need for shade is fundamental. ISAD’s creation is a proactive response, creating a cool refuge where none existed before. This approach parallels the esparto canopy by ELE Arkitektura and GA Estudio in Alicante. Advisor Mauricio Rey Villareal explained that the pavilion aims to provide accessible, shaded routes for public enjoyment.
Inspired by movement
The design draws from the layered and flexible construction of traditional Rarámuri skirts, known for their fluidity and protective qualities. The Rarámuri people, famous for their endurance running, like ultrarunner Lorena Ramírez, inspire this dynamic architecture. The pavilion doesn’t imitate the skirt’s appearance but emulates its adaptive behavior.
Architectural design and symbolism
The structure’s flared base expands the shaded area for passersby, tapering as it ascends. This design balances openness and shelter, inviting conversation while offering cover. The plywood surface reflects desert tones, capturing light just as the surrounding landscape does at dawn and dusk.
Ingenious construction techniques
Crafted entirely from plywood, the pavilion’s innovative assembly eliminates traditional fasteners. Its components are secured with wooden wedges, forming a cohesive structure with minimal hardware. The lightweight panels cover 18 m² (194 sq ft) and dynamically interact with light and shadow throughout the day.
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Precision and adaptability
Using three-axis CNC milling, each structural part was precisely cut, enabling smooth assembly and future disassembly. This technology, widely available, ensures the pavilion can be reconstructed elsewhere, exemplifying its adaptable design logic.
A collaborative educational experience
The “Taller del Desierto” workshop, active since 2012, brings students together to build full-scale projects. In 2026, 23 students, guided by advisors including Alexis Pereda Chánez, completed Paso Nara. Pereda emphasized that this pavilion is designed for leisure and social interaction, named after the cultural blend of everyday crossings and traditional influences.
Paso Nara’s presence in the Plaza de Armas concluded on August 9, only to reappear at Mextrópoli on September 19. This year’s festival theme, focusing on cities’ evolutionary needs rather than grandiose public works, welcomed this thoughtful installation. The pavilion’s architecture invites visitors to glance upwards toward the framed sky, offering respite and reflection against Chihuahua’s expansive skyline.
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Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the design of Paso Nara?
The design draws from the layered and flexible construction of traditional Rarámuri skirts, known for their fluidity and protective qualities. The pavilion emulates the adaptive behavior of the skirts rather than imitating their appearance.
What construction techniques were used for the pavilion?
Crafted entirely from plywood, the pavilion’s innovative assembly eliminates traditional fasteners, using wooden wedges to form a cohesive structure. This design allows for smooth assembly and future disassembly, showcasing its adaptable design logic.
Where was Paso Nara exhibited after Plaza de Armas?
Paso Nara was highlighted at the Mextrópoli festival in Mexico City’s Alameda Central by September, alongside nine other innovative pavilions.