A groundbreaking architectural intervention has successfully transformed an underused concrete dock along Spain's Ebro River into a vibrant community gathering space. The project, titled "Habitar el Río" (Inhabiting the River), was created by architecture firm Erazo Pugliese for Concéntrico 2025, the International Festival of Architecture and Design in Logroño. This innovative 27-square-meter wooden installation demonstrates how temporary structures can revitalize neglected urban waterfront areas and foster meaningful connections between city dwellers and natural environments.
The installation was strategically positioned on the north bank of the Ebro River, occupying a transitional zone between an abandoned concrete platform and the river's fluctuating water levels. This unique location, once a popular bathing area that had deteriorated into merely a pedestrian passageway, presented architects Sebastian Erazo and Stefano Pugliese with an opportunity to create a habitable space that would bridge the gap between urban infrastructure and the natural river ecosystem. The project's design philosophy centered on promoting interaction between the built environment and nature while encouraging social activities such as pausing, learning, exchanging ideas, and contemplating river life.
The structure's architectural design showcases thoughtful environmental responsiveness and sustainable construction practices. The southern façade opens generously toward the river while remaining protected from direct sunlight, creating a comfortable shaded retreat for visitors. On the northern side, strategically placed plywood panels serve a dual purpose: blocking harsh glare from the adjacent concrete wall and facilitating passive ventilation by directing hot air upward, effectively helping to dissipate heat absorbed by the concrete slab throughout the day. This intelligent design approach ensures year-round comfort for users while minimizing energy consumption.
Construction of the installation exemplified collaborative educational practices, involving students from the Faculty of Architecture at CESUGA (Centro de Estudios Universitarios de Galicia). The project utilized a hybrid construction approach, combining prefabrication work in A Coruña with on-site assembly in Logroño. This methodology not only ensured construction efficiency but also provided valuable hands-on learning experiences for architecture students, demonstrating real-world applications of sustainable design principles and community-centered architecture.
The project received substantial support from various industry partners and government agencies, highlighting the collaborative nature of contemporary architectural innovation. Key supporters included Maderas Besteiro, Bandalux, Xunta de Galicia, and the Spanish Association for Forestry Sustainability (PEFC). Additional backing came from XERA (Agencia Gallega de la Industria Forestal), emphasizing the project's commitment to promoting sustainable forestry practices and locally sourced materials. The use of certified sustainable wood products underscores the installation's environmental consciousness and serves as a model for future eco-friendly architectural interventions.
During the festival period, the installation quickly became a focal point for diverse community activities and river-related sports. The versatile design accommodated various user needs, with comfortable seating areas where visitors could sit, lie down, or simply pass through while observing the river's daily rhythms. Activities included watching canoeists navigate the water, listening to bird songs, observing trees shifting in the wind, watching water currents flow, and enjoying the sounds of dogs on their daily walks with their owners. Recognizing the site's popularity with canoe enthusiasts, architects added a second bench during the construction phase to better serve paddlers who frequently used the platform for equipment preparation and instruction of newcomers to the sport.
The 2025 edition of Concéntrico particularly emphasized ecological awareness and collective inhabitation, transforming the entire city of Logroño into a testing ground for sustainable and inclusive urban futures. The festival's overarching themes included climate adaptation, water management, food systems, and social rituals, all of which were reflected in the "Habitar el Río" installation. The project successfully demonstrated how temporary architectural interventions can serve as catalysts for long-term urban transformation and community engagement.
Following the festival's conclusion and the removal of all temporary installations, "Habitar el Río" found new life in a different setting. The structure was carefully dismantled, transported, and reconstructed in the mountains near Logroño, specifically in the town of Viniegra de Abajo, where it now sits alongside the Urbión River. This relocation ensures the installation's continued utility and demonstrates the sustainable design principle of adaptability and reuse. The structure will remain in this mountain location indefinitely, continuing to serve as a peaceful retreat and observation point for visitors exploring the natural landscape of the Spanish countryside.
