Plou Prou? transforms the iconic Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona into an interactive commentary on water and climate. Conceived by Cierto Estudio, h3o architects, and Metrònom, the intervention sheds light on architecture’s relationship with water in a warming world with the help of concealed aqueducts within the design.
Confronting Evaporation with Hidden Channels in Ephemeral Architecture
Twelve towering tanks, holding over 12,000 liters, accentuate the water lost from the pavilion’s pools over a fortnight. This water circulates through an elevated aqueduct, dripping steadily back into the pools, a stark symbol of ongoing evaporation and time’s passage. This makes the invisible visible, inviting reflection on sustainability challenges faced by urban spaces. The built-in aqueducts within the pavilion emphasize this message by continuously circulating water to highlight inefficiencies.
Interactive Panels and Embedded Features Reveal Montjuïc’s Water Legacy
Outside, six panels narrate Montjuïc’s water-related political and ecological histories. Initially concealed, their stories emerge when visitors spray water, an act that transforms reading into participation. This emphasizes the connectedness of architecture, history, and natural systems, challenging the notion of isolated structures. Hidden conduits within the installation further draw attention to these historical narratives by symbolizing the flow of historical water practices.
A Gathering Place for Reflection and Unity
Plou Prou? also stages events — performances, debates, and even gastronomy — recreating the historical role of fountains as meeting points. This multifaceted approach re-establishes public spaces as areas of cultural and communal dialogue, promoting collaboration and shared responsibility. By incorporating discreet aqueducts, these events underscore the need for sustainable solutions in urban design.
For more artistic explorations in public spaces, discover how Paula Crown’s virtual ‘message in a bottle’ fosters connection amidst isolation.
A Collaborative Effort by Esteemed Designers
This installation is a product of a collaborative spirit, featuring the creative visions of Cierto Estudio, h3o architects, and Metrònom. Through this powerful blend of architecture, ecology, and public engagement, they bring crucial discussions into the public domain. The design cleverly integrates aqueduct elements beneath the visible structure.
The intervention, which runs from July 17th to July 30th, 2026, is captured in breathtaking images by Simone Marcolin and Cecília Coca. Through their lenses, the intricate details and thoughtful design of the project come alive, inviting thoughtful reflection on the future of architecture in a changing climate.
Take a look at an innovative aquatic exhibition outside of Barcelona with the ‘Slow Dream’ sculpture at Chelsea Flower Show 2026 that integrates water into garden designs.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of Plou Prou? in Barcelona?
Plou Prou? transforms the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona into an interactive commentary on water and climate, highlighting architecture’s relationship with water in a warming world through concealed aqueducts.
How does Plou Prou? address water evaporation?
Plou Prou? uses an elevated aqueduct system with twelve towering tanks holding over 12,000 liters of water, which circulates and drips steadily back into the pavilion’s pools, symbolizing ongoing evaporation and prompting reflection on sustainability.
How do visitors engage with Montjuïc’s water history at Plou Prou?
Visitors engage with Montjuïc’s water history through interactive panels that conceal the stories initially, only to reveal them when sprayed with water, transforming the act of reading into an interactive and participatory experience.