Design A Tree – Sola

Our cities are growing while the available space is limited – and therefore much contested.

This infrastructural change confronts us with many questions. How can we use the public space in the most effective way? How can we incorporate environmental protection into our urban planning? How can we improve what is already existing? We believe that the potential has not yet been fully explored.

With sola we want to build a smart and ecofriendly streetlight. Powered by solar panels, it produces energy during the day and makes light at night. The solar cells are movable and can capture the sunlight optimally. With an integrated fast charger for electric cars and bikes, it makes refueling possible almost anywhere. Sola is also equipped with smart sensors, that detect any movement in the area. So it only shines, when it is needed.

Sola is designed to work as efficient as possible. A network between the streetlights allows it to exchange data and also energy. If more electricity is required at one light, it can be supported by the other street lights with surplus energy. This network can be also used to show available charging spots for cars and bikes.

The lamps that are being used are LED. They have a lifespan of about 20 years, afterwards 95% of it can be recycled. LED-lamps can also change the intensity of the light, wich is useful in order to save energy.