# Irrigation Channels as Tourist Spots Jorge Rigau FAIA Orchestrates Tours of Isabela's Canals By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-04-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jorge-rigau-faia-isabela-canal References: [notcot.org](http://www.notcot.org/post/20317/) & [estudiointerlinea](http://www.estudiointerlinea.com/archives/1529) You might think that [irrigation channels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fw-ji-covered-bridge-on-aqueduct) such as those found in Isabela, Puerto Rico aren’t particularly ideal spots for a tourist attraction, but architectural firm Jorge Rigau FAIA begs to differ. They took one kilometer of Isabela’s canals and turned them into an [ecotourism hotspot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cf-mller) for two days to prove that with the proper development, public access to these facilities could prove beneficial. Over the 48-hour period, over 3,000 registered visitors were led on guided tours of the Isabela canals and learned about their history, design, cultural impact, and changes the canals had on the [surrounding landscape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/landscape-intervention). I’m particularly fond of the oversized words—made of environmentally-sensitive foam, naturally—that are scattered along the trail to implore visitors to consider the potential of the project. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Ecotourism in Unexpected Locations:** Turning unconventional spaces like irrigation channels into tourist attractions presents opportunities for innovative and sustainable ecotourism experiences. - **Redefining Public Spaces:** Reimagining public facilities like canals as recreational areas creates new opportunities for community engagement and revitalization. - **Heritage Tourism:** Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of infrastructure projects like canals can attract tourists interested in experiencing local heritage. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Urban Planning:** Architects and urban planners can explore unconventional design approaches to transform underutilized spaces into attractive tourist destinations. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** The tourism industry can capitalize on unique attractions, offering tourists immersive experiences in unexpected locations. - **Sustainable Development:** Sustainable development experts can find opportunities in repurposing existing infrastructure to create eco-friendly tourism sites. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artfully Made Floating Plazas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquapraa.md) - [Floating Cultural Plazas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquapraca.md) - [Community Water Access Points](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luanda-waterpoints.md) - [Reanimated Power Plant Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manresa-island.md) - [Red-Painted Steel River Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/papaloapan-river.md) - [Industrial Canal Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canal-restaurant.md) - [Eco-Farm Landscape Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxeisland-farm.md) - [Rustic Ruin-Inspired Aquariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sea-of-cortez-research-center.md) - [Award-Winning Landscape Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/landscape-intervention.md)