Barcelona Pavilion Hosts Innovative Water Loss Installation

The Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona is currently showcasing a thought-provoking installation titled "Plou Prou?" designed by the collaborative team of Cierto Estudio, h3o architects, and Metrònom. This project, selected for the Open Call for the Barcelona 2026 World Capital of Architecture, seeks to challenge perceptions of architecture in relation to water and climate change.

At the heart of the installation are twelve elevated industrial tanks that collectively hold over 12,000 liters of groundwater. This volume represents the estimated water loss from the pavilion's main reflective pool over the course of the exhibition. A temporary aqueduct runs through the pavilion, creating a continuous drip that visually emphasizes evaporation.

Additionally, six panels on the pavilion's outer wall reveal the ecological and political history of Montjuïc when sprayed with water, transforming the act of reading into an engaging part of the experience. The installation also features a series of public programs, encouraging community interaction through performances, debates, and music, thereby reviving the essence of public fountains as spaces for connection.

Source: www.designboom.com