Solar Lab: Spatial | Rotterdam

The Solar Lab-Spatial is part of The Solar Biennale program, and explores the natural integration of solar energy into buildings and the new "active" building materials and design methods this entails.

The sun, our source of life, has become the cheapest source of energy today. Yet designing a fossil-free world for all, powered by the sun, requires more than technocratic solutionism and one-size-fits-all panels. This solar-powered world needs to be mindful of circadian rhythms, of human behavior, cultural practices and energy needs tied to a specific place and system. The Solar Biennale envisions and critically reflects on the future of solar energy.

The Solar Lab - Spatial explores the natural integration of solar energy into buildings and the new "active" building materials and design methods this entails. Think of Solar as the new material, a building block similar to a brick. What could that 'brick' look like? Regard it as something that is essential to and part of the assembly of a building. Not just a facade or something that is added onto a surface, but an integral part of its design. How can we develop and use new materials that are organic and circulair to build these future cavities with?

Research question

Design and develop a Solar Design “probe” around the question what solar, as the new, circular building material, could look like?

Experts, facilitators, mentors

The Solar Lab program will feature several leading solar designers, solar researchers and solar material engineers to provide inspiration, share their extensive knowledge and provide feedback on participant's ideas. Among others with Marjan van Aubel, and Teresa van Dongen

For whom?

This lab is for everyone who wonders: how to become a solar designer? Both beginners as well as more advanced designers are welcome. No solar insider knowledge is necessary.

Participation costs 150 Euros, which includes daily beverages and lunch. The Solar Lab can facilitate a maximum of 15 participants.

Lab Facilities

The lab will take place at BlueCity Lab, a bio-circular playground, and will include several introductions to concepts and technologies like bio mimicry, biotechnology and bio-engineering, in addition to a fabrication lab.

The 4-day program will focus on getting to know a multitude of natural and technological techniques for harvesting energy from sun light to provide the attendees with a broad box of instruments that can be applied to the research question.

Please note that, due to the relatively slow character of especially the bio-based methodologies, the 4-day program will most likely not allow for enough time to create a tangible prototype.

Accreditation

This Solar Lab was assigned by RVO.nl for the Topsector Energy, at the request of TKI Urban Energy.

The Solar Biennale collaborates closely with BlueCity Lab for the development and realization of the Solar Lab - Spatial.