The Solar Trees at the Expo Milano 2015
The central design element of the pavilion are expressive membrane-covered shelters in the shape of sprouting plants: the “Idea Seedlings.” Their construction and bionic design vocabulary are inspired by nature.
membrane-covered shelters
“Idea Seedlings”
“The solar trees connect interior and exterior spaces, joining architecture and exhibition and at the same time casting welcome shade during the hot summer months of the EXPO,” says Lennart Wiechell, lead architect and Managing Partner at SCHMIDHUBER. “We had the opportunity here to do more than just integrate an existing technology in our design. We were able to specify every element of the structure, right down to the shape and appearance of the individual solar cells, to make everything a seamless part of the overall design."
OPV modules
The printed hexagonal OPV modules are laminated between clear plastic sheets and attached to a delicate steel net, which acts as both structural support and electrical conductor for the energy generated. The OPV cells generate electricity in a similar fashion to traditional solar cells, with one important difference: the OPV modules can capture light from any direction, and they generate electricity even in hazy conditions.
closed energy cycle
The electricity produced during the day is collected in an innovative storage system at the base of each of the five Idea Seedlings and then used to power a high-performance LED ring at night, to light the trees from below. It is closed energy cycle, based on nature’s model.
The solar trees provide for themselves, contribute to reducing the facility’s overall energy consumption and therefore protect resources. At the end of the Expo, the modules will be taken back by the manufacturer and reused.
vespertine illumination
Overall responsibility:
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie
Management company:
Messe Frankfurt GmbHKonzept,
Design, planning, realization:
German Pavilion Expo Milano 2015 Consortium
Spatial concept, architecture, general planning:
SCHMIDHUBER, Munich
Content concept, exhibition, media:
Milla & Partner, Stuttgart
Project management and construction
NÜSSLI (Deutschland) GmbH, Roth
ARGE OPV supported by:
German federal Ministy of Education an Research (BMBF)
constructing the OPV modules: system, integration and installation:
BELECTRIC OPV, Nürnberg
steel net construction and installation:
Carl Stahl GmbH, Süßen
energy storage and building connection:
Hager SE, Blieskastel
polymer semiconductors:
Merck KGaA, Frankfurt
electrical connectors:
U.I. Lapp GmbH
architectural integration and design:
SCHMIDHUBER
