Solar wave
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
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Project Description
The Solar wave is a solar cell park and landscape room in the forest located on the Campus area Piteå Science park. Designed with parametric design and the nordic nature as inspiration, 117 double-sided solar panels on wooden stands created a landscape room for research, meetings and recreation. The double-sided wave form of panels is a research project of solar energy production from the reflection of snow, wooden durability in cold climate and social interactions in this spatial formation.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
The solar wave park was an urban planning assignment where Warm in the Winter designed a landscape room in the forest, located at Campus Piteå. Designed with parametric design and nordic nature as inspiration, 117 bouble-sided solar panels on wooden stands are formed as a wave, creating a landscape room for research, meetings and recreation. The double-sided wave form of panels is a research project of solar energy production from the reflection of snow, wooden durability in cold climate and the social interactions in this unique spatial formation.
As the facility is both a park and a facility for solar production and the first large-scale facility in Sweden, the work has been in close collaboration with researchers at LTU and the Norut Northern Research Institute. The work was, among other things, derived from previous design work EnergiFORM which was carried out together with those who work and study in the field.
The project was made together with Jenny Bergström, Dan Pearlman GMBH and August Wiklund, Sweco Architects. Client was Berndt Essebro, Pite Energi. Photo 6 taken by Anders Westergren.
Key objectives for sustainability
The energy sector accounts for two thirds of all emissions globally. The burning of fossil fuels - oil, gas and coal - is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions witch is the main source for global warming. A rapid global transition to renewable energy is necessary in order to limit the increase in temperature. Traditionally technical energy facilities and structures has been designed with only the function as goal and has not taken in consideration the surroundings and spaces it creates. Therefore, with the rapid increase of renewable energy facilities and constructions, now more often in urban areas, more than just the function is needed to be designed for. It is a unique opportunity in time when we have a chance to create new typologies that not just produce renewable energy, but gives something back to the space and the people using it.
Sun wave is an example of how to do just this. It is a beautiful art piece for the campus and people passing by, the structure humbly tiptoes on the ground, not destroying nature values, while it gives room for meeting, exchanging ideas or any kind of social activities. These kind of landscape rooms has become even more important during and after the pandemic.
The panels is set up to calculate and analyze the best angles for solar production over the year and the wooden stands showing how different wood treatments age in the harsh climate.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The sun wave is placed on the campus Piteå, a science park and a highly creative place located in the nordic forest. It is known that "walk and talk" meetings, or a walk in the forest can enhance the creativity. The sun wave is created as an unique creative outside meeting room or place. With an easy access for everybody to take a walk in the forest. With the slender construction stands and pathway in wood, it melts together with the surrounding forest. The solar panels are reflecting the sky and snow in the winter. The winding form is inspired from the organic forms of nature and the stands for the panels with the humorous reference to sunbeds. The form creates a forest glade in the middle that can be used for any kind of meeting or social activities all year around.
Key objectives for inclusion
The sun wave is open for everybody who wants to use it. With its pathway of wood and ramps it makes it accessible for everybody to use, admire up close and take a walk along it. It's not always easy for someone with example a wheelchair, stroller or walker to move on trails in the wood. The sun wave makes it easy for everybody.
Results in relation to category
Cold temperatures, snow and low sun and great variation between the seasons are characteristic for north of Sweden and are a challenge for solar cell installations. Therefor the result from the double-sided modules of solar cells in different angles has been useful for further research and the development of building- and facade integrated solar cells. From the research project done at the Solar wave specific guidelines have been developed for the best practice in these nordic environments.
How Citizens benefit
The solar wave was developed in close dialog and through creative workshops with the users, students and the working people in the area of Piteå Science park.
The spot where the sun wave is located was planned for a solar park. With a traditional solar park it had just taken up space from the nature, without giving anything back to the citizens. Now it's not just a solar park producing renewable energy, but a meeting place for everyone. It's where you can sit, walk, meet, find shelter from the wind and a beautiful art piece.
Innovative character
The innovative character of the project is the combination of renewable energy production, research, art, social interactions and accessibility for everyone. When we must build for newer technology we have to consider all aspects of sustainability and give back to the space we claim for building it. Also the research of the panels has shown that solar production in climates with snow can be beneficial when the reflection also generates a great amount of energy.
