The Pioneering Zero-Energy Media Facade by iart

Iart, a studio for media architectures based in Switzerland, proudly introduces the Novartis Pavillon Zero-Energy Media Facade, created in collaboration with AMDL CIRCLE and Michele De Lucchi. Combining organic photovoltaics and LEDs, the facade spans the recently opened Novartis Pavillon on the Novartis Campus in Basel, Switzerland, successfully showcasing the potential of organic photovoltaics in architecture.

The zero-energy media facade features a total of 10,000 diamond-shaped solar modules with LED lights embedded within that not only shine outwards but also in the direction of the metal shell beneath. The light reflects off the shell and shimmers outwards through the semi-transparent solar modules, resulting in a visually multi-layered membrane with the ability to display content at will.

Consuming only as much electrical energy as it is capable of producing, the membrane becomes a zero-energy media facade. This is made possible by the carbon-based organic solar modules that were custom-made for the Novartis Pavillon.

Their design and physical properties make these organic solar modules ideal for use, as they can be produced in various shapes and are bendable, translucent, and extremely light-sensitive, which allows them to be installed in spots not ideally oriented towards the sun. These modules also contain less grey energy than silicon solar modules, making them interesting from a sustainability perspective.

With the arrangement of the solar modules on the dome-shaped Novartis Pavillon, it is possible to measure the electricity produced in all directions. Data collected during the first few months of operation show that the facade produces enough power to display text in the daytime – when the exhibition is open – and digital art animations for up to two hours after sunset. An extensive analysis will be possible in a few months, once sufficient data is available.

iart – studio for media architectures also won a prestigious LIT Lighting Design Award for their Novartis Pavillon Zero-Energy Media Facade, proving their great work in pushing the boundaries of lighting design and innovation.

Source: v2com newswire