Date: 28 August 08
Author: Caroline Ednie (Web Editor)
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Peter Richardson of Glasgow based ZM Architecture has produced a pilot project proposal for a series of solar ’lilies’ along the River Clyde which could not only provide public realm lighting for the river, but could also light the communal parts of a shared building, such as offices or apartment blocks.
The proposal envisages large floating discs harnessing enough sunlight to boost the city's electricity grid. The lily pads - measuring between 15ft and 45ft in diameter - would be secured to the river-bed and these revolving floating discs would capture the sun's rays via solar panels to produce electricity - even on a cloudy day. At night they would also feature as a lighting solution, situated underneath landmarks such as the Squinty Bridge and the Finnieston Crane.
Peter Richardson describes the idea behind the project:
”In cities all over the world there are disused water ways, canals and rivers. Often they become the focus for regeneration and for most people offer an improved quality of life and environment. Our project proposes to stimulate river activity and change by proposing that the surface is used to harness the power of solar energy on a large scale. The energy created can be easily transformed and exported to the grid and will reduce the carbon footprint of the city. The idea references large lily pads that are optimised for efficient photosynthesis, so that the design is inspired by nature. They can be moved and dismantled and are simply tethered to the river bed, integrated motors can rotate the discs, so their orientation to the sun is maximised throughout the day.”
The solar lilies scheme recently won first prize in the 2008 International Design Awards - Land and Sea competition for Sustainability. These Los Angeles based awards recognise ‘the world’s most innovative projects pushing the envelope of sustainable design.’ (http://www.idesignawards.com/)
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Project: Alternative Solar Energy Solutions for Glasgow
Architect: ZM Architecture Ltd.
Location: Glasgow
Links: http://www.zmarchitecture.co.uk/
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