Energy General

Attractive Sustainable Technology Effects Change

by: Yvonne Doff July 9 2020

Attractive, Sustainable Technology

Van Aubel created a set of gained glass-style solar panels, made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. These lightweight plastic modules can generate solar energy and allow tinted daylight to pass through. “Attractive, sustainable technology is the way to effect change,” insists Van Aubel. “We're not going to change the world with ugly things.”

Step inside the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020

The majority of the roof of the pavilion will consist of these colored photovoltaic cells, which will have a moiré effect pattern crossing through them. The Dutch Biotope will be a showcase of durable design and technology. A tower of plants will dominate the space like a self-supporting microclimate. The pavilion will be created from natural materials, all of which will be reused or recycled at the end of the project.

Potential Of This Technology

Van Aubel has been designing solar panels for years. They are made with light-absorbing organic colorants that cover small pieces of titanium dioxide nanomaterial to convert sunlight into electricity. The cheap, flexible solar cells are applied as a sticker on a translucent surface. The expo in Dubai could be a chance to show the potential of this technology to the 25 (expected) million visitors.

plant dome, people, walls, ceiling
Photo by V8 Architects

The Circularity Of Solar Panels

After the expo, the roof will be disassembled, and the modules get another purpose. Solar panels have a lifespan of 40, maybe 50 years, so we have to think about their circularity. Unfortunately, the way of recycling solar panels is still limited. Marjan van Aubel showed, in earlier projects, that a stained-glass window can charge a mobile phone or a desk that can also charge devices.

The Future And Solar Panels

The designer fantasizes about a future where these panels could transform entire cities into living batteries, with windows and rooftops converted into solar panels. In the future, a house will be considered as not functioning if it does not produce energy. In addition to the green energy supply, these panels could also solve other problems of humanity, such as food deficiencies.

In the Netherlands, we already have greenhouses, so maybe we can combine the solar cells with the glass. Then you can combine traditional farming with high tech farming.

Sustainable Technology Effects Change

The plant tower in the pavilion is also a tremendous durable feature. It is meant to create its microclimate. The pavilion is more a biotope than a building. It is a miniature world, where the climate is naturally managed—a circle-shaped climate system where water, food, and energy are interconnected.

The central cone will be encapsulated in a rectangular building and will be visible to moving visitors from outside the building through the translucent facade. Inside the pavilion, there will be a big gallery, an auditorium, a restaurant, a shop, and a VIP lounge.

people, part dome, restaurant
Photo by V8 Architects

In contradiction to the civil technological character of the exterior, the interior adds a sparkling layer of light, tangibility, and refinement, inspired by the typical rhythm of the Dutch landscape and geometric motifs and features from the Arabic culture.

The design team explained that the pavilion brings all the required knowledge and technology in the field of pavilion building, interactive visitor experiences, durable building, architecture, and closed-loop technology together.

Cover photo by V8 Architects

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Attractive Sustainable Technology Effects Change

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The World Expo 2020, held in Dubai in 2021 will be featuring a top Dutch pavilion, designed by Marjan van Aubel. She will design colorful translucent solar panels. The pavilion, also called The Dutch Biotope, is a circle-shaped climate system where food, water, and energy solutions are interconnected. Attractive, Sustainable Technology Van Aubel created a set of gained glass-style solar panels, made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. These lightweight plastic modules can generate solar energy and allow tinted daylight to pass through. “Attractive, sustainable technology is the way to effect change,” insists Van Aubel. “We're not going to change the world with ugly things.” {youtube}                                                   Step inside the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 The majority of the roof of the pavilion will consist of these colored photovoltaic cells, which will have a moiré effect pattern crossing through them. The Dutch Biotope will be a showcase of durable design and technology. A tower of plants will dominate the space like a self-supporting microclimate. The pavilion will be created from natural materials, all of which will be reused or recycled at the end of the project. Recommended:  Solar Panels Which Generate Energy Out Of Rain Potential Of This Technology Van Aubel has been designing solar panels for years. They are made with light-absorbing organic colorants that cover small pieces of titanium dioxide nanomaterial to convert sunlight into electricity. The cheap, flexible solar cells are applied as a sticker on a translucent surface. The expo in Dubai could be a chance to show the potential of this technology to the 25 (expected) million visitors. Photo by V8 Architects The Circularity Of Solar Panels After the expo, the roof will be disassembled, and the modules get another purpose. Solar panels have a lifespan of 40, maybe 50 years, so we have to think about their circularity. Unfortunately, the way of recycling solar panels is still limited. Marjan van Aubel showed, in earlier projects, that a stained-glass window can charge a mobile phone or a desk that can also charge devices.  Recommended:  Solar Panel Recycling: Photovoltaics Rebirth The Future And Solar Panels The designer fantasizes about a future where these panels could transform entire cities into living batteries, with windows and rooftops converted into solar panels. In the future, a house will be considered as not functioning if it does not produce energy. In addition to the green energy supply, these panels could also solve other problems of humanity, such as food deficiencies. In the Netherlands, we already have greenhouses, so maybe we can combine the solar cells with the glass. Then you can combine traditional farming with high tech farming.   Recommended:  Agrivoltaics: Food, Water, Energy At Its Best Sustainable Technology Effects Change The plant tower in the pavilion is also a tremendous durable feature. It is meant to create its microclimate. The pavilion is more a biotope than a building. It is a miniature world, where the climate is naturally managed—a circle-shaped climate system where water, food, and energy are interconnected. The central cone will be encapsulated in a rectangular building and will be visible to moving visitors from outside the building through the translucent facade. Inside the pavilion, there will be a big gallery, an auditorium, a restaurant, a shop, and a VIP lounge. Photo by V8 Architects In contradiction to the civil technological character of the exterior, the interior adds a sparkling layer of light, tangibility, and refinement, inspired by the typical rhythm of the Dutch landscape and geometric motifs and features from the Arabic culture. The design team explained that the pavilion brings all the required knowledge and technology in the field of pavilion building, interactive visitor experiences, durable building, architecture, and closed-loop technology together. Cover photo by V8 Architects Before you go! Recommended:  Green Forest House Showcase For Our Urban Future Did you find this an interesting article, or do you have a question or remark? Leave a comment below. We try to respond the same day. Like to write your article about green architecture? Send your writing & scribble with a photo to [email protected] , and we will write an interesting article based on your input.