Transforming Public Spaces Through Ephemeral Architecture Prototypes
Concéntrico Festival revitalizes Logroño with urban-scale architectural experiments
1Festival's Core Philosophy
Since 2015, Concéntrico Festival has been bringing architecture out of galleries into the streets. It transforms Logroño's squares, streets and vacant lots into experimental labs through full-scale installations. Challenging traditional exhibition methods, it embeds architecture into daily life. Local residents and visitors become active participants rather than passive observers.
22026 Edition's Scope
This year's festival featured projects by over 20 architects, designers and researchers. Participants showed geographical and methodological diversity. Each project offered a unique perspective on the future of public spaces. The festival turned the entire city into an urban-scale testing ground.
3Curatorial Approaches
The festival was organized around three thematic axes: 'Identity and Fiction' read the city through memory and narratives. 'Urban Ecologies' examined architecture-climate relationships. 'Ephemeral Agents' researched temporary structures triggering social interaction. Each category proposed radical alternatives for public space usage.
4Notable Projects
Standout works included Smiljan Radic's traveling circus-themed collective structure and OFREIA's installation researching historic bathing rituals. NOOF Group's microclimate-generating pavilions and Sahra Hersi's seed exchange garden offered climate-focused solutions. AAU Anastas' listening capsules and Future Firm's bridge connection emphasized social interaction.
5Impact on Architectural Practice
The festival demonstrated the potential of temporality in architecture. It proposed rapid prototyping and low-cost interventions as alternatives to traditional construction methods. It highlighted the importance of participatory design processes and professional-citizen collaboration. This approach also inspires planning processes for permanent structures.
6Urban Regeneration Tool
Concéntrico revitalizes abandoned spaces through temporary interventions. Vacant lots become hubs of social interaction during the month-long festival. These experiments provide data for urban planners' long-term transformation projects. Some installations become permanent afterward or inspire municipal projects.
7Global Influence
The Logroño example has inspired similar festivals in over 50 cities worldwide. Ephemeral architecture has become part of public space strategies from New York to Tokyo. Increased interest in outdoor events post-pandemic makes such experiments more valuable. The festival serves as a model for municipalities seeking UNESCO Creative Cities Network membership.
8Future of Public Space
Concéntrico's experiments show public spaces need to be multifunctional and flexible. Ephemeral architecture enables citizens to reclaim their cities. The festival proves architecture's capacity to address societal challenges. Such events produce local solutions to global problems like climate crisis and social division.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Geçici Mimari Prototiplerle Kamusal Alanların Dönüşümü