
10 May 2023
Solar energy with the human experience at the center
In light of a global transition towards cleaner and greener futures, cities are looking towards solar panels as a solution. However, an often-overlooked aspect is that solar energy encompasses more than its technical and economic aspects; it also impacts the socio-cultural side of society.
A new thesis in design from Luleå University of Technology explores how the human (and also non-human) experience might play a role in the designing of solar futures, and how collaborative design methods might contribute to a democratic development of our cityscapes.
In one of her studies, Suzanna Törnroth the author of the thesis, organised a workshop about possible designs of solar panel installations within the neighbourhood of Mjölkudden in Luleå. Together, and through participatory mapping, the participants mapped areas of interests within their neighbourhood, as a starting point in co-creating potential solar futures. Through the use of materials and visual inspiration of emerging and innovative solar design globally, the participants were able to envision for themselves a more attractive living environment through their own creative capacities.
“This idea of collaborative and democratic ownership over one’s living environment – combining the adapted aesthetics of renewable energy with the lived experiences of the local environment– should be championed as a way forward to increase solar energy consumption in society,” says Suzanna Törnroth
Participatory utopian sketching
In a similar line of thinking, she facilitated a second workshop, now with the local inhabitants of Porsön. The method used was participatory utopian sketching – a method where participants are encouraged to playfully sketch their utopian futures on clear laminate folders over photographs of current urban places. In reference to three public spaces: a playground, a public square and an underpass, participants were encouraged to sketch their utopian solar futures.
“I noticed that the nature of playful sketching – with there being no “wrong answers” – allowed for a relaxed atmosphere in the workshop, wild ideation, and creative expression. This could help, in the future, to increase inclusive and democratic engagement on a local energy transition – a topic that is normally considered inaccessible to many.”
A third workshop was conducted to explore how energy aesthetics might be designed as integral parts of human living environments. The workshop was conducted with students in engineering and design. Through implementing a design thinking method, the student participants explored how renewable energy technology could be designed as responsive to local needs. For example, a resulting idea was a wind-sheltered barbeque spot, with mobile solar panel walls that could be moved to protect users from harsh winds, as well as heated seated benches to maintain a comfortable microclimate during colder temperatures.
Collaboration produces novel ideas
The thesis suggests that the use of simple and everyday accessible materials (Styrofoam, string, pen, paper, markers, cardboard, Post-its, etc.) could provide an important medium for people to express their ideal energy futures visually – and when done collaboratively, organic and happenstance conversations can produce new and novel ideas.
Finally, as an overarching takeaway, Suzanna Törnroth offers that beyond solar panels, we are prompted to revisit our relationships with the Sun and its energy flows around us. The thesis makes us aware of the life cycle of the solar panel: from extractive mining beginnings to the general lack of recycling at the end of its life, which offer an insight and questioning on what is meant by “green” and “clean” futures.
“In society’s attempt to seek a clean and green energy transition, it is not only important that a holistic approach is taken on the matter, but that we return to a grounded appreciation of how the Sun impact our activities and the ecologies around us. Such reflection might force a recentering of the global energy transition – from a technical and economic lens based on productivity and scale, to the human experience, based on individual and collaborative flourishing.”
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