As part of the launch of Volvo’s V60 Hybrid Electric Diesel model, a futuristic solar charging station is being developed that will be folded up and ready to deploy right from the car’s trunk. This solar pavilion is the first of its kind and is expected to be displayed as part of the car’s launch in Rome this coming fall.
The design of the pavilion came from Synthesis Design & Architecture Designs and was the winner of the 2013 Switch to Pure Volvo Pavilion Design competition. The pavilion focuses on a green energy power source but does not lose site of the aesthetic and functional qualities of design.
The Pavilion is a tensioned membrane structure using an HDPE mesh skin, a carbon fiber skeleton, and integrating embedded photovoltaic panels, that can fully collapse and fit inside the trunk of the V60 when not in use.
“The issue of sustainability is addressed in the form of a power strategy which uses fabric embedded Photovoltaic panels and light collected from the sun or indoor artificial lighting to power the pavilion and charge the V60 model on show. The car will ‘plug’ directly into the pavilion’s skin, charging its battery with the energy collected over the day. The ‘Switch to Pure Volvo” pavilion becomes a symbol of the V60’s attitude to efficient energy consumption and a showcase of the Hybrid V60’s characteristics.” – SDA
This experimental pavilion, while an intriguing creation, is not quite market-ready. If it turns out to be a functional and efficient product, it could serve to demonstrate another possible iteration of methods to provide some of the power to electric cars.
The pavilion, commissioned by Volvo Car Italia, is a collaborative effort between Synthesis Design + Architecture, Buro Happold, and Fabric Images, and will be launched in September 2013 in Rome, Italy.
Allison has had a lifelong interest in multiple facets of design. Growing up between a sewing machine and a sketch pad, she went on to fine-tune her skills through studies in fine arts and fashion design. Upon entering the design/build industry, she continuously researches trends in various markets, including retail, hospitality, exhibitory/events, interiors and architecture in order to provide valuable educational and inspirational resources to clients.
Allison has had a lifelong interest in multiple facets of design. Growing up between a sewing machine and a sketch pad, she went on to fine-tune her skills through studies in fine arts and fashion design. Upon entering the design/build industry, she continuously researches trends in various markets, including retail, hospitality, exhibitory/events, interiors and architecture in order to provide valuable educational and inspirational resources to clients.
Allison has had a lifelong interest in multiple facets of design. Growing up between a sewing machine and a sketch pad, she went on to fine-tune her skills through studies in fine arts and fashion design. Upon entering the design/build industry, she continuously researches trends in various markets, including retail, hospitality, exhibitory/events, interiors and architecture in order to provide valuable educational and inspirational resources to clients.