vibrant cactus motifs decorate ciudad juárez’s historic center reclaiming public space

Desert Paths Transforms Ciudad Juárez with Urban Art

Desert Paths or Sendas del Desierto in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, redefines urban space through the use of vibrant art and tactical urbanism. Developed as part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative by the creative team of Nómada Estudio Urbano, the intervention transforms neglected streets into walkable and engaging environments, promoting social interaction and road safety. The project revitalizes a 5380 sqft section of Ignacio Mariscal Street, originally overtaken by vehicles, restoring its pedestrian function and improving the quality of public space in the heart of the Historic Center.

The project employs placemaking techniques, focusing on creating public areas that encourage social activity. Surveys revealed strong community support, with 100% of respondents requesting more urban art and 23% emphasizing the need for native vegetation. The artistic design, inspired by the biznaga, a barrel cactus native to the Chihuahuan Desert, was a collaboration between Chilean artist Camilo Huinca (Only Joke), Otra Ciudad (Santiago de Chile), and Nómada Estudio Urbano (Juárez). The colorful shapes and patterns draw from local natural and cultural elements, turning the urban space into a safer, more welcoming environment.

all images by Nómada Estudio Urbano

Pedestrian-Friendly Urban Hub Reclaims Urban Spaces

This project extends beyond aesthetic appeal, addressing the need to reclaim areas once dominated by vehicles. Urban furniture, planters, and children’s play areas were incorporated, making the space functional and fostering community interaction. Although temporary, the project exemplifies how short-term projects can initiate lasting changes by encouraging the reimagining of urban spaces.

The initiative was supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Street Plans (New York), Fundación Placemaking México (Mexico City), and an international creative team composed of Nómada Estudio Urbano, Camilo Huinca (Only Joke), and Otra Ciudad. The City of Juárez contributed to the logistics, emphasizing the importance of local participation in reshaping urban spaces. Desert Paths marks the first international creative intervention of this scale in Ciudad Juárez, setting a precedent for future projects aimed at creating safer, more inclusive urban environments.

Desert Paths revitalizes Ciudad Juárez, transforming streets into pedestrian-friendly spaces

As part of a larger movement, Ciudad Juárez joins other cities, such as Mazatlán and Oaxaca, in transforming over 475,000 sqft of urban infrastructure in 2024. This project highlights the role of art, design, and global collaboration in creating more human-centered cities, improving both infrastructure and community life. Desert Paths exemplifies how art and placemaking can contribute to safer, more livable cities by reclaiming public spaces for pedestrians and fostering social connections.

the project uses vibrant asphalt art to promote walkability and social interaction

neglected streets turn into a dynamic urban landscape, enhancing road safety and community engagement

inspired by the biznaga cactus, the design connects local culture with art, creating a visually engaging urban space

Desert Paths revives the Historic Center, restoring pedestrian access to a previously vehicle-dominated area

urban furniture and children’s play areas were added to foster social interaction and community activity

the project demonstrates how short-term initiatives can inspire lasting changes in public space design

Desert Paths uses tactical urbanism, combining functional design with art to reclaim public areas for pedestrians

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project info:

name: Desert Paths / Sendas del Desierto

designer: Nómada Estudio Urbano
design team: Camilo Huinca ‘Only Joke’ (Urban Artist), Sebastián Cuevas (Architect), Paulina Bravo (Designer), Miguel Mendoza (Designer)
location: Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

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