Exhibited at the 2025 Time Space Existence event organized by the European Cultural Centre (ECC) in Venice, the Impluvium Redux kinetic installation showcases the innovative vision of architect Juan José Castellón. This entry documents the international presentation of the architectural prototype originally constructed in Barcelona. Castellón’s pavilion explores the intersections of indigenous intelligence, architectural innovation, and spatial experience, reflecting a deep engagement with material systems and cultural narratives.

The project modernizes the ancient Roman impluvium, a system for catching rainwater, to solve today's urban challenges. Castellón draws profound inspiration from his hometown in Spain, transforming the vernacular material cultures of textiles and ceramics into a contemporary spatial language. His primary goal is to bring the senses back to architecture. By focusing on the touch of materials, the feeling of the space, temperature, and sound, the design seeks to awaken sensory experiences that have grown dormant in the face of modern technologies.

Standing roughly five meters tall, the prototype operates as a flexible module deployable on pre-existing urban rooftops or public areas. Castellón insists that architecture can be both functional and beautiful. The modular system features hollow ceramic components that act as structural columns and water collectors, drawing inspiration from the bonelike structures of Spanish architect Miguel Fisac. These "bones" are topped by a lightweight, folded kinetic canopy. This canopy opens and closes to capture rainfall, also functions as a waterproof membrane that filters and cleans harvested water. By integrating structural optimization with temperature control, the pavilion provides energy-saving cooling benefits and alleviates the urban heat island effect while creating a cohesive public space.

At the Venice exhibition, the project demonstrated the integration of aesthetic design with resilient urban infrastructure. It was shortlisted for the 2025 ECC Awards in the University Project category, selected from over 200 global submissions by a jury from ArchDaily, STIRworld, and the EUmies Awards. Featured in architectural media such as designboom, the project illustrates an ongoing commitment to shaping sustainable and sensorially rich built environments.

Awards and News

Time Space Existence:

ECC Awards 2025 Shortlist Announced

ArchDaily:

The European Cultural Center Announces 21 Shortlisted Projects for the 2025 ECC Awards

Rice News:

Castellón's Impluvium Redux short-listed for major award in Venice

Rice Architecture:

Designboom features Rice School of Architecture in Venice

Shaping the City:

Venice 2025