Digital Nomad Village

Following the classical ‘Building blocks’ last project of second grade, we propose an imaginary academic project in a little village near Pamplona. The goal is that student work on repetition and variation in order to create a residential neighbourhood, but that the y also take into consideration other important factors, like sustainability, existing topography, culture, mobility and green infrastructure. The text for ‘Badasstain’ reads as follows:
The Government of Navarra has announced plans to promote a pioneering residential development in the small rural village of Badostáin, conceived as a model for future territorial strategies that seek a more conscious, nature-related way of living and working.
Located at the short distance of 5 km from Pamplona (15 minutes by bus) and home to just over 300 inhabitants, Badostáin has been selected as the testing ground for an innovative housing initiative oriented towards digital nomads and remote workers. The project foresees the construction of approximately 30 dwellings, integrated into the existing landscape and social fabric of the village.
To develop the proposal, the regional government will soon launch an open international architectural competition, inviting multidisciplinary teams to submit designs that combine functionality, beauty, and environmental responsibility. The competition brief emphasizes the need for architecture that responds to contemporary forms of work while remaining deeply connected to local traditions, identity, and rural life. The projected dwelling solutions will be flexible enough to accommodate diverse types of families, promoting inclusivity and communal life. Co-working spaces, sport facilities, domestic crops and shared spaces will create the appropriate structure for a dynamic and productive housing development.
According to preliminary guidelines, participating teams will be expected to address a wide range of criteria. These include low-carbon construction strategies, the use of recyclable and locally sourced materials, and the integration of renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Mobility will also play a central role, with proposals encouraged to explore public transport links, electric car systems, shared mobility solutions, and reduced commuting footprints.
Beyond technical performance, the project seeks to redefine daily life in rural environments. Designs are expected to incorporate communal spaces, shared facilities, and small-scale agricultural plots, fostering collective life and local food production. Special attention will be given to human and more-than-human interactions, encouraging coexistence with local ecosystems, biodiversity, and landscape dynamics.
Despite its experimental character, the BADASSTAIN development aims to become a recognizable symbol for the village and for the future development of the rural environment in the region. The new neighbourhood is intended to grow out of the character of the village, reinforcing its identity while projecting it into the future.
With this initiative, Navarra positions itself at the forefront of European debates on rural repopulation, remote work, and climate-conscious development. The Badostáin project aspires not only to attract new residents, but also to serve as a replicable model for other small communities seeking sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking ways to adapt to changing lifestyles.