supervised by Prof. Carola Zwick, Prof. Judith Glaser and Felix Groll
Unfolding Shadow is a surface structure of adaptive solar cells that self-sufficiently respond to changes of the lighting conditions. Inspired by the spontaneous opening and closing movements of plants known as photonasties, a shape memory alloy animates sun-exposed modules to independently straighten up and close the covered surface. Shaded modules return to a relaxed resting state that allows the view and light to pass through. The smart, spontaneous realignment of the flexible PV foil not only increases the energy output but also enriches the space behind with a balanced microclimate and a dynamic interplay between light and shadow. The combination of efficient solar energy harvesting and acute shading, allows existing urban structures of any orientation and inclination to benefit from an additional level of use. This way solar energy harvesting can open up the urban space thorugh a new solar dynamic aesthetic.
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LI 01
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project period
2022 - ongoing
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working title
In Between
︎︎︎
type
adaptive photovoltaic structure
︎︎︎
location
a second skin for urban spaces in any orientation and tilt
︎︎︎
climate impact
solar energy harvesting
adaptive shading
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material
photovoltaic foil
shape memory alloy
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dimensions
220 mm (H), 120 mm (W), 1 mm (D)
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exhibited at
The Energy Show // Rotterdam NL, 09/2022 - 03/2023
Dutch Design Week // Eindhoven NL, 10/2022
Ambiente »Talents« // Frankfurt DE, 02/2023
Milan Design Week »circular village« // IT, 04/2023
Interzum - »Sustainability Matters« // Cologne DE, 05/2023
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awards
Architecture MasterPrize Student 2022, »Best of Best«
Isola Design Award 2022 »winner« of the category outdoor
IF Design Award Student 2023 »winner«
Talents Ambiente competition 2023 »winner«
Green Concept Award 2023 »nomination«
Lexus Design Award 2023 »shortlist«
European Green Award 2023 »shortlist«
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publications
Isola
https://isola.design/magazine?url=Meet-The-Winners-Of-Isola-Design-Awards-2022-And-Get-Inspired
la casa in ordine
https://www.lacasainordine.it/2022/12/isola-design-awards-2022/
Tectonica
https://tectonica.archi/articles/trabajos-seleccionados-en-la-categoria-de-arquitectura-de-los-green-products-y-green-concept-awards-2023/
project period
2022 - ongoing
︎︎︎
working title
In Between
︎︎︎
type
adaptive photovoltaic structure
︎︎︎
location
a second skin for urban spaces in any orientation and tilt
︎︎︎
climate impact
solar energy harvesting
adaptive shading
︎︎︎
material
photovoltaic foil
shape memory alloy
︎︎︎
dimensions
220 mm (H), 120 mm (W), 1 mm (D)
︎︎︎
exhibited at
The Energy Show // Rotterdam NL, 09/2022 - 03/2023
Dutch Design Week // Eindhoven NL, 10/2022
Ambiente »Talents« // Frankfurt DE, 02/2023
Milan Design Week »circular village« // IT, 04/2023
Interzum - »Sustainability Matters« // Cologne DE, 05/2023
︎︎︎
awards
Architecture MasterPrize Student 2022, »Best of Best«
Isola Design Award 2022 »winner« of the category outdoor
IF Design Award Student 2023 »winner«
Talents Ambiente competition 2023 »winner«
Green Concept Award 2023 »nomination«
Lexus Design Award 2023 »shortlist«
European Green Award 2023 »shortlist«
︎︎︎
publications
Isola
https://isola.design/magazine?url=Meet-The-Winners-Of-Isola-Design-Awards-2022-And-Get-Inspired
la casa in ordine
https://www.lacasainordine.it/2022/12/isola-design-awards-2022/
Tectonica
https://tectonica.archi/articles/trabajos-seleccionados-en-la-categoria-de-arquitectura-de-los-green-products-y-green-concept-awards-2023/
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context // how to open up urban spaces for solar energy harvesting?
The urban space is characterized by a high energy consumption as well as limited available space. If all the energy demand could be harvested directly at the place of consumption, it would be possible to reduce transmission infrastructure and losses. But how to integrate a very space consuming system like photovoltaic in a living environment with little space?
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approach // linking shading with energy production
The approach of the solar concept Unfolding Shadow is based on two intents to make it as adaptable as possible for the complexity of metropolitan areas, with the aim of enriching public spaces instead of occupying them. On the one hand, the photovoltaic structure should be modular and, as an in-between level, be able to cover any urban space or surface. On the other hand, the structure should be sensitive and responsive to the intensity of solar radiation, linking the need for acute shading with the efficient harvesting of solar energy.
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concept // the adaptive structure
Unfolding Shadow is a surface structure of identical, smart solar modules, which can be mounted as a second skin in front of glass facades, over parks, sidewalks, etc. When direct sunlight hits one of the elements, it independently straightens up, provides shade and converts the sun energy into electricity. The converted energy cannot heat up the space behind, resulting in a balanced microclimate, from which plants, animals and humans can benefit accompanied by a reduction of the energy required for temperature regulation.
The low-material substructure of crossed wires can be installed vertically, horizontally or in any intermediate position, offering high adaptability as an add-on for existing infrastructure. It takes up little space and as a lightweight construction is simple to install, saves resources and can be easily dismantled and reused.
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the material // shape memory alloy
A shape memory alloy can take any pre-programmed shape once it reaches a set temperature. In direct sunlight, the metal begins to heat from 40 degrees up to 70 degrees allowing a small wire programmed into the shape of a spring to contract and pull a module into its upright position. In the shadow, the SMA relaxes, causing the counter-tension of the spring steel strip to pull it back apart. By combining the heat animated deformation with the generation of sun energy, a solar system can merge the simplicity of a static panel installation with the energy efficiency of solar tracking in a responsive, error-resistant and low-tech system.
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the material // organic photovoltaics
To convert the motion of the shape memory alloy into a movement causing a surface to increase and decrease, a new technology is applied. A solar film based on organic photovoltaics enables practically any surface to be energetically active, regardless of its shape or material. It allows semi-transparent, flexible solar cells in various shades to be created, that can withstand high levels of torsion, deformation and vibration without compromising performance or durability. The capability of operating at lower light intensities than other technologies makes the foil very attractive for building facades. Compared to rigid panels, the flexibility brings the advantage of absorbing most of the wind animated movements instead of transferring them to the building, reducing the stress on the building structure.
context // how to open up urban spaces for solar energy harvesting?
The urban space is characterized by a high energy consumption as well as limited available space. If all the energy demand could be harvested directly at the place of consumption, it would be possible to reduce transmission infrastructure and losses. But how to integrate a very space consuming system like photovoltaic in a living environment with little space?
︎︎︎
approach // linking shading with energy production
The approach of the solar concept Unfolding Shadow is based on two intents to make it as adaptable as possible for the complexity of metropolitan areas, with the aim of enriching public spaces instead of occupying them. On the one hand, the photovoltaic structure should be modular and, as an in-between level, be able to cover any urban space or surface. On the other hand, the structure should be sensitive and responsive to the intensity of solar radiation, linking the need for acute shading with the efficient harvesting of solar energy.
︎︎︎
concept // the adaptive structure
Unfolding Shadow is a surface structure of identical, smart solar modules, which can be mounted as a second skin in front of glass facades, over parks, sidewalks, etc. When direct sunlight hits one of the elements, it independently straightens up, provides shade and converts the sun energy into electricity. The converted energy cannot heat up the space behind, resulting in a balanced microclimate, from which plants, animals and humans can benefit accompanied by a reduction of the energy required for temperature regulation.
The low-material substructure of crossed wires can be installed vertically, horizontally or in any intermediate position, offering high adaptability as an add-on for existing infrastructure. It takes up little space and as a lightweight construction is simple to install, saves resources and can be easily dismantled and reused.
︎︎︎
the material // shape memory alloy
A shape memory alloy can take any pre-programmed shape once it reaches a set temperature. In direct sunlight, the metal begins to heat from 40 degrees up to 70 degrees allowing a small wire programmed into the shape of a spring to contract and pull a module into its upright position. In the shadow, the SMA relaxes, causing the counter-tension of the spring steel strip to pull it back apart. By combining the heat animated deformation with the generation of sun energy, a solar system can merge the simplicity of a static panel installation with the energy efficiency of solar tracking in a responsive, error-resistant and low-tech system.
︎︎︎
the material // organic photovoltaics
To convert the motion of the shape memory alloy into a movement causing a surface to increase and decrease, a new technology is applied. A solar film based on organic photovoltaics enables practically any surface to be energetically active, regardless of its shape or material. It allows semi-transparent, flexible solar cells in various shades to be created, that can withstand high levels of torsion, deformation and vibration without compromising performance or durability. The capability of operating at lower light intensities than other technologies makes the foil very attractive for building facades. Compared to rigid panels, the flexibility brings the advantage of absorbing most of the wind animated movements instead of transferring them to the building, reducing the stress on the building structure.