La Nube STEAM Discovery Center opens in El Paso with a focus on transformative learning experiences

In partnership with Gyroscope and Jordan Foster Construction, Arup, Exigo, and Snøhetta provided architecture and engineering services for La Nube, which is located in Downtown El Paso’s Arts District and was designed to engage visitors of all ages. Spanish for “the cloud,” La Nube’s distinctive cloud-like architecture is a celebration of the surrounding El Paso community and the desert’s expansive skies.

La Nube is El Paso’s first dedicated children’s museum and science center. Snøhetta, design architect and landscape architect, was inspired by the shared sky of the borderland to create a new landmark for children of all ages. This took form as a cloud of imagination, floating in the desert. The project adds a playful and educational layer to the rich cultural heritage in downtown El Paso. Inside La Nube, you will find the following:

• Generous public areas and landscapes
• Surprising window openings and views to the Franklin mountains
• Great spatial variety bursting with energy and texture
• Engaging multisensory exhibits

This new facility, brought to life by a dedicated community and team, is a testament to public private partnerships and the power of imagination to enrich culture. 

Elaine Molinar, Snøhetta Partner and Principal, said “With the design of La Nube, we embraced the idea of making more than a background for the exhibits, but in creating an environment where the architecture, landscape, and exhibits enhance each other and become a memorable, holistic experience.”

As Architect of Record, Exigo was selected to partner with Snøhetta from the preliminary design through the execution of construction documents, and finally throughout the construction phase. Exigo played a crucial part in preserving the project's vision by effectively managing the transition of La Nube from design concept to reality.

Eugenio “Pacelli” Mesta, Exigo’s President, said “The opening of La Nube is a culmination of years of planning and hard work from community leaders, taxpayers, donors, contractors and creatives. We are honored to contribute to such a significant project for our community. It’s heartwarming to finally see children enjoy the space designed to expand their educational opportunities while reflecting our distinct culture and climate.”

Arup provided a suite of multidisciplinary services including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire engineering, as well as audio-visual and information technology and acoustics design consulting. Working in close collaboration with the project team and Exigo, Arup designed the primary framing of La Nube’s intricate 4-story children’s climber structure that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding exhibit, allowing the signature long-span helical stairs to wrap uninterrupted around the climber. 

Ricardo Pittella, Arup’s Project Director, said “La Nube exemplifies the importance of championing engaging cultural sites for all in our communities. We’re proud to be part of a great team that is providing access to enriching educational experiences and interactive learning for residents of El Paso and across Texas.”

Arup’s structural team also optimized the museum’s long-span structural system by performing detailed footfall comfort analysis on every exhibit level. The long-span framing approach provides flexibility for the museum’s exhibits while improving mobility and visitor experience. As the museum contains El Paso’s first smoke-controlled atrium, Arup’s fire team performed a state-of-the-art CFD fire model to greatly decrease the size and cost of a prescriptive smoke control system. 

La Nube contains four interactive levels with exhibits providing immersive and experiential learning environments for children and adults alike. Inside the museum, a dramatic four-story climber exhibit welcomes children to take risks, practice problem solving, make discoveries, and learn. The 77,000 ft2 museum also includes a café and commercial kitchen, administrative offices, civic support spaces, and two outdoor exhibit terraces. La Nube’s exterior boasts an engaging urban landscape complete with outdoor café seating, misting poles, and other play areas integrated with native plantings. 

Now open, La Nube is the cornerstone of the 2012 City of El Paso Quality of Life Bond, completing the Downtown Arts District in El Paso. The public-private partnership between the City of El Paso and the El Paso Community Foundation is the first of its kind in the city and is key to revitalizing downtown El Paso.