Juárez, Mexico
Fostering walkability and urban connectivity
The Project
The collaboration between Nómada Estudio Urbano, Chilean artist Camilo Huinca, and Otra Ciudad showcases how asphalt art can empower communities to reclaim and reshape their city spaces. Desert Paths transformed a neglected section of Ignacio Mariscal Street in Juárez’s Historic Center into a vibrant public space through participatory asphalt art. Covering 5,380 square feet, the painted mural aimed to enhance road safety while fostering community engagement. Local feedback via survey affirmed the desire for more urban art and native vegetation in the area, which inspired a design connecting residents to their cultural and natural environment with imagery of the local biznaga cactus.
- There was a 59% increase in pedestrians visiting the area, and the average stay tripled in length (from 15 to 45 minutes)
- The average speed on Ignacio Mariscal Street decreased by 43%, and the share of drivers yielding to pedestrians with the right of way more than doubled (from 20% to 50%)
- There was a dramatic increase in people who felt positively about the space (from 40% to 85%) and who felt safe in the space (from 40% to 75%)
Asphalt art empowers communities to transform their streets into spaces of connection, creativity, and safety. Desert Paths is a testament to how collective artistic expression can reshape our urban landscapes and bring people together.
Miguel Mendoza, Director, Nómada Estudio Urbano
Use the slider to see the transformation
Press
Vibrant Cactus Motifs Decorate Ciudad Juárez’s Historic Center (Designboom, September 13, 2024)
They give life and color to the Historic Center of Ciudad Juárez (Puente Libre, September 4, 2024)
Desert Paths Project Arrives in Juarez (Canal 44, September 4, 2024)
Municipality to inaugurate “Desert Paths” in the Historic Center (Gobierno Municipal de Ciudad Juárez, August 30, 2024)
For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.
