natura futura's mobile platform uses repurposed plastic to float on babahoyo's river

El Candelabro Mobile Platform takes an inverted pyramid shape

The Chandelier or El Candelabro, a project by Ecuador-based studio Natura Futura, aims to revitalize urban culture through a mobile floating platform. El Candelabro platform, measuring 4m x 4m, is constructed with metal tubes and 16 reused plastic tanks for buoyancy. The structure, floating on the river of Babahoyo, features lateral pillars made of a metal and wood hybrid, supporting modular screens, and a textile structure that forms an urban lantern. To ensure stability against river winds, the platform adopts an inverted truncated pyramid shape. Its modular design allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and transportation during cultural events.

all images by Saul Vera, Jhonatan Andrade, Patricio Naranjo

Natura Futura Revives Babahoyo’s River Heritage Through Art

In Babahoyo, cultural activities have traditionally been land-based, neglecting the river’s potential as a public space. Historically inhabited but now neglected, Babahoyo has seen a dramatic decline in its floating structures from 250 to just 25. Recognized as an Intangible Heritage Asset of Ecuador, the traditional river habitation techniques have pre-Hispanic origins and significant historical value. Despite this recognition, preservation efforts have been minimal.

El Candelabro by Natura Futura reimagines the use of water resources in Latin American river cities through collective effort and artistic expression. It serves as a community catalyst, raising awareness and promoting sustainable coexistence between the city and the river.

El Candelabro by Natura Futura revitalizes urban culture with a floating platform

the 4m x 4m El Candelabro platform is buoyed by 16 reused plastic tanks

constructed with metal tubes, El Candelabro features a hybrid metal and wood structure

modular screens and a textile structure create an urban lantern on El Candelabro

an inverted truncated pyramid shape ensures stability against river winds

El Candelabro’s modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly

traditionally land-based, Babahoyo’s cultural activities are now embracing the river

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project info:

name: The Chandelier – El Candelabro Mobile Floating Cultural Platform
architect: Natura Futura | @naturafuturarq

collaborators: Peter Tapia, Hernan Molina, Carlos Viteri, Fernando Romero, José Gómez

graphic design: Urbanofacto, Nawual Studio

audio production: HM Studio, St Records

illustrations: MeM Space

area: 16 sqm

location: Babahoyo, Los Rios, Ecuador

photography: Saul Vera, Jhonatan Andrade, Patricio Naranjo

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom