Developed by MASK Architects, the Dual-Axis Concave Mirror Living System proposes an architectural model in which buildings function as integrated energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. Rather than treating architecture and utilities as separate systems, the project positions the building itself as a responsive interface that produces resources while shaping inhabitable space. The design centers on a dual-axis concave parabolic mirror mounted at the crown of each module, which tracks the sun in real time to concentrate solar energy while simultaneously supporting shading, ventilation, and microclimate regulation for the spaces below.

Known as the Fiji Solar Crown, the system introduces a solar-integrated living architecture that incorporates a kinetic concave mirror into the primary structural and spatial framework. Developed in collaboration with TesserianTech, responsible for engineering and kinetic mirror technology, the project addresses Fiji’s challenges related to energy instability, reliance on imported diesel, freshwater scarcity, saltwater intrusion, and increasing climate pressures. The system is designed to operate independently from centralized grids, allowing architectural units to generate electricity and harvest water directly on site.

all images by MASK Architects

Solar Crown as Environmental Engine and Spatial Organizer

The architectural language draws from the traditional Fijian bure, reinterpreting its elevated structure, passive ventilation principles, and symbolic roof apex through contemporary materials and technology. The concave solar crown functions as an environmental engine, concentrating sunlight for electricity generation, redirecting heat to support passive cooling, powering nighttime illumination, and collecting rainwater that is stored within the structural core for potable and non-potable use.

Beneath the crown, the spatial organization unfolds vertically. The ground level forms a shaded, naturally ventilated living platform, while the main inhabitable floor integrates panoramic views with the service core. An upper observation level frames the sky and surrounding landscape, reinforcing the vertical relationship between living space and environmental systems.

The design team at MASK Architects considers the system as a family of three modular scales, each defined by its concave solar crown. The 3-meter-diameter module functions as a compact energy and water generator suited to rural infrastructure, agricultural use, and small off-grid shelters. The 5-meter module supports community-oriented programs such as outdoor classrooms, gathering spaces, and small tourism facilities. The 7-meter module is conceived as a fully inhabitable multi-level residence or accommodation unit, capable of operating on elevated or floating foundations in response to rising sea levels. These modules can function independently or be clustered to form larger communities, micro-grids, or territorial networks.

concave solar mirrors generate energy while enabling water harvesting and condensation

Energy, Water, and Material Performance Across Scales

Energy generation is a central performance parameter. Under Fiji’s solar conditions, the 3-meter mirror produces approximately 12 kWh per day, the 5-meter mirror around 30 kWh per day, and the 7-meter crown approximately 58 kWh per day. When deployed in clusters, groups of ten units can generate between 120 and 580 kWh per day, supporting off-grid residential areas, agricultural operations, educational facilities, and tourism infrastructure without reliance on diesel fuel. Rainwater collection integrated into the crown and core provides localized water independence for drinking, irrigation, and greywater systems.

Material selection reinforces both environmental and cultural considerations. The system employs laminated bamboo, locally sourced Fijian hardwoods, bamboo-fiber composites, and geopolymer concrete, combined with ground-based or floating foundations depending on site conditions. Mechanical systems, photovoltaic receivers, the dual-axis tracking mechanism, and the central energy transfer axis, an insulated structural column, are integrated directly into the architectural anatomy. At night, the underside of the mirror functions as an ambient lighting element powered entirely by the energy generated during the day.

As deployment increases, the Fiji Solar Crown transitions from a single architectural prototype into a scalable territorial system. Smaller units support individual households and farms, mid-scale modules reinforce community infrastructure, and larger crowns anchor high-performance micro-grids, floating settlements, and elevated villages. Across all scales, the system reduces dependence on fossil fuels, stabilizes water supply, moderates microclimates, and establishes a consistent architectural identity rooted in local spatial traditions. The project demonstrates an approach in which architecture operates as an active environmental system, integrating spatial design, structural performance, and resource production into a unified framework suited to climate-vulnerable regions.

stepped public pathways weave through the terrain across an energy-producing architectural ecosystem

MASK Architects conceives a dual-axis concave mirror-integrated settlement embedded within Fiji’s tropical forest

interior spaces frame the forest, water, and light as active components of daily life

the central communal structure integrates shared living, passive cooling, water collection, and daylight control

each living unit is positioned according to slope, vegetation density, and solar exposure, without altering the forest floor

materials include laminated bamboo, local hardwoods, and geopolymer concrete

solar mirror crowns adapt their orientation to the coastal horizon, responding to sun angles throughout the day

at night, the system turns into a soft nocturnal landscape, where stored solar energy powers subtle illumination

project info:

name: World’s First Dual-Axis Concave Mirror Living System Redefining Energy and Water Independence in Fiji

architect: MASK Architects | @maskarchitects

design team: Oznur Pinar Cer, Danilo Petta

location: Fiji

The post fiji living system proposal uses kinetic concave mirrors for energy and water autonomy appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Tiny House project in the commune of Niederanven marks the first use of 3D printing for a full residential structure in Luxembourg. Designed by ODA Architects in collaboration with Coral Construction Technologies, the structure covers 47 square meters of usable space, with each printing phase lasting less than 28 hours. The main purpose of the project is to test how 3D printing can produce housing in a faster and more affordable way in hopes of relieving the housing crisis that the country has been confronting.

The 3D printed Tiny House also shows how a structure can work with low energy use by installing solar panels on the roof to power up the home. The electricity also supplies energy to the film-based heating system under the floor, eliminating the need for water pipes or radiators. The architect’s goal is to keep the house simple to run and maintain, and in fact, the team has filled the walls with insulation made with low-impact materials after printing to reduce the energy use in the long term.

all images courtesy of ODA Architects | photos by BoysPlayNice

Green areas surround the cement structure

Going through the design of the 3D printed Tiny House, the interior has clear zones for different activities. When a person enters the house from the south side, they arrive in a small entrance hall, where a corridor starts. It connects the entrance with all the main rooms, which leads to the bathroom, a technical area, and at the end, the bedroom. To the left of the entrance is the living space combined with the kitchen and dining room in one continuous area. 

This construction also has a door that opens to the terrace on the south side to give access to the outdoor space and connects the interior to the surrounding open areas. A main design idea is to connect the 3D printed Tiny House by ODA Architects with nature around it. The entrance in the center of the south wall gives quick access to the garden, and the structure has openings that face the north and northeast green areas to fulfill this design vision.

the Tiny House project is designed by ODA Architects in collaboration with Coral Construction Technologies

prototype can show potential affordable housing in europe

The company Coral Construction Technologies says that the project shows how 3D printing is used to build residences in a market with high housing costs. It adds that Luxembourg requires around 7,000 new apartments per year, but current output delivers under 4,000, and this gap produces high prices and long development timelines. A small 47 m² apartment in Luxembourg City costs more than EUR 560,000, but the 3D printed Tiny House runs an estimated cost of about one-third less and can be placed on sites not suitable for larger construction. 

The construction reduces the need for manual labor, but on the upside, there’s less use of heavy machinery and decreased waste because the printer follows exact digital instructions. The municipality of Niederanven integrates the 3D printed Tiny House into the Hei wunne bleiwen program, which aims to provide starter housing for young residents who take part in community programs. The house is expected to be rented to its first tenant for a ten-year lease, and in addition, the project includes a plan to plant 21 trees to offset emissions from the production process. So far, the current structure stands as a prototype, with the goal to use it to inform future decisions about whether this method can support larger programs for affordable housing in Luxembourg and other European countries.

the structure is located in the commune of Niederanven

the project covers 47 square meters of usable space

each printing phase lasts less than 28 hours

the house runs on low energy use through the solar panels on the roof

view inside the project

view of the bedroom

under and strips of light illuminate the spaces

view of the bathroom

the architect’s goal is to keep the house simple to run and maintain

project info:

name: Tiny House

architecture: ODA Architects | @odaarchitects.lu

construction: Coral Construction Technologies | @coral_3dcp

collaboration: ICE Industrial Services, HSF System

photography: BoysPlayNice | @boysplaynice

The post first 3D printed tiny house in luxembourg aims to solve the housing crisis in the country appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

MASK Architects introduces SOLARIS, a self-charging solar motorcycle developed as part of the studio’s ‘Invent and Integrate’ design approach led by founders Öznur Pınar Cer and Danilo Petta. The project explores autonomous mobility through a vehicle capable of generating its own power without reliance on fuel, electrical grids, or commercial charging networks.

SOLARIS operates as a fully solar-powered system. Its defining feature is a set of retractable circular photovoltaic wings that unfold to collect sunlight and supply energy to an integrated lithium storage unit. When parked, the motorcycle functions as its own charging station; in use, it runs as an electric vehicle powered exclusively by solar intake. The concept establishes a transportation model based on energy independence and site-free operation. The design incorporates a biomimetic formal language inspired by the movement and structural proportions of a leopard. This reference informs the elongated front geometry, the structural frame, and the aerodynamic stance of the motorcycle. The formal decisions support balance, performance, and airflow while shaping the vehicle’s visual identity.

the two operational states of SOLARIS | all images courtesy of MASK Architects

MASK Architects Breaks the Global Mobility Business Model

Mechanically, SOLARIS includes a high-torque electric motor, a regenerative braking system that recovers kinetic energy, and a lightweight aluminum–carbon composite chassis engineered for rigidity and reduced weight. The design team integrates an intelligent solar-energy management system that monitors collection, storage, and distribution in real time. A digital cockpit and optional app connectivity provide performance data and solar-charging metrics. The solar-powered configuration positions SOLARIS as a mobility proposal for contexts where access to fuel or charging infrastructure is limited. Potential applications include remote regions, protected landscapes, developing communities, and urban programs focused on low-emission transportation. The absence of fuel consumption and external energy demand also reduces operational costs and maintenance compared to conventional electric motorcycles.

As a research and design case, SOLARIS demonstrates MASK Architects’ ongoing interest in integrating technological autonomy with form-driven expression. The project presents a model of mobility in which vehicles operate independently of external energy networks, emphasizing renewable power generation, material efficiency, and environmental impact reduction.

SOLARIS acts as both an electric motorcycle and a self-charging solar generator with photovoltaic wings

SOLARIS reveals its aluminum–carbon structural frame and biomimetic geometry

with extended solar wings, the bike transforms into a compact solar power station for off-grid self-charging

the circular photovoltaic wings, engineered to maximize solar exposure and autonomous energy collection

symmetry study emphasizes technical transparency, exposed structure, and LED visual signature

the solar wings create a sculptural, halo-like geometry behind the motorcycle

the solar wings deploy automatically when parked, forming a circular photovoltaic canopy

the lightweight aluminum swingarm and carbon-fiber tail structure, designed for structural efficiency

the project’s core principle is total energy independence

SOLARIS in self-charging configuration, where expanded photovoltaic surfaces harvest sunlight

the modular photovoltaic system that enables riders to recharge independently

conceptual visualization of SOLARIS, the biomimetic form draws from the fluid power and muscular elegance of a leopard

project info:

name: SOLARIS

designer: MASK Architects | @maskarchitects

lead designers: Öznur Pınar Cer, Danilo Petta

The post self-charging solar motorcycle by MASK architects frees riders from fuel and power networks appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

In the wooded slopes of New York’s western Catskills, Marc Thorpe Design completes Forest Edge House, a self-sufficient residence powered by the sun. The 140-square-meter, two-story home stands as the fifth solar-powered home built by Edifice Upstate (find designboom’s previous coverage here), the design and build agency Thorpe co-founded with Claire Pijoulat.

Designed as a model for sustainable living, the project integrates renewable energy systems, local materials, and an architectural language that responds to its forested surroundings. Set on a 1.2-hectare parcel of land, the house is defined by its rectangular wooden form, clad in FSC-certified natural pine, and its striking 7.6-meter cantilevered steel deck that extends into the forest canopy.

all images by Clay Banks

Forest Edge House is powered by the sun

Energy independence lies at the core of Marc Thorpe’s project. The house is powered by 24 monocrystalline solar panels connected to a 15K Sol-Ark inverter and a lithium-ion LifePo battery bank capable of generating 38 kWh of electricity daily, enough to sustain the entire residence off-grid. Through this system the American architect allows the home to operate autonomously, free from reliance on external power sources, reflecting Edifice Upstate’s larger mission of designing architecture that harmonizes with ecological systems.

Inside the dwelling, an open plan connects living, kitchen, and dining spaces, while radiant floor heating maintains an even temperature throughout the year. The interiors are furnished by French design house Ligne Roset, further blending contemporary comfort with the quiet natural setting outside.

Marc Thorpe Design completes Forest Edge House

architecture of autonomy and respect

Thorpe describes Forest Edge as an architecture of ‘responsibility and respect for our environment and ourselves.’ The design embodies a philosophical stance toward independence and ecological awareness. Its formal simplicity and use of natural materials draw from the Catskills’ rural building traditions, yet its technological core situates it firmly within a contemporary vision of living in balance with nature.

Founded by Thorpe and Pijoulat, Edifice Upstate partners with local builders and sustainable technology companies to create turnkey solar-powered homes. The project brings together thoughtful architecture and renewable energy, giving residents independence without sacrificing design quality. As Thorpe puts it, Forest Edge is ‘an opportunity to take back our autonomy.’

this self-sufficient residence is powered by the sun

the 140-square-meter, two-story home stands as the fifth solar-powered home built by Edifice Upstate

designed as a model for sustainable living

the project integrates renewable energy systems and local materials

an architectural language that responds to its forested surroundings

the house is defined by its rectangular wooden form

clad in FSC-certified natural pine

the house is powered by 24 monocrystalline solar panels

an open plan connects living, kitchen, and dining spaces

the interiors are furnished by French design house Ligne Roset

blending contemporary comfort with the quiet natural setting outside

project info:

name: Forest Edge House

architect: Marc Thorpe Design | @marcthorpedesign

location: West Catskills, New York, USA

area: approx. 140 sqm (1,500 sq ft)

developer / builder: Edifice Upstate | @edificeupstate

founders: Marc Thorpe, Claire Pijoulat

furnishings: Ligne Roset

photographer: Clay Banks | @clay.banks

The post marc thorpe builds wooden residence powered entirely by the sun in new york forest appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Interactive Segmented House of the Future is a conceptual design proposal by Michael Jantzen for an adaptive, self-contained dwelling that can alter its configuration in response to environmental conditions and user needs. The structure consists of a central living space surrounded by five movable segments. Each segment can rotate manually or automatically around the core to adjust for sunlight, wind, rainfall, and views. This rotation enables the house to warm itself through solar exposure, cool naturally through air circulation, collect rainwater, and continuously reshape its overall form.

Constructed primarily from lightweight steel, the proposed design incorporates photovoltaic cladding to generate electricity for internal systems. The glass floor supported by a steel frame allows for visual continuity and spatial fluidity, enabling occupants to experience a full 360-degree connection with the surrounding environment. Openings in the floor permit air to circulate after being captured by the adjustable wind scoops integrated into the outer segments.

all images courtesy of Michael Jantzen

Five rotating movable segments shape the conceptual house

Each segment shares the same geometric profile but can perform multiple functions depending on orientation. Some feature windows that rotate 360 degrees to direct sunlight or frame specific views, while others act as rainwater collectors or wind channels. The modular system allows the segments to operate independently or in coordination, offering precise environmental control.

Inside, furnishings are stored within semicircular cabinets concealed beneath the glass floor. These units can be raised and unfolded for use, keeping the main living area open and adaptable. Additional segments could be added to expand the structure’s size and functionality. The Interactive Segmented House of the Future project by designer Michael Jantzen explores how dynamic geometry can redefine domestic architecture by integrating environmental responsiveness, flexibility, and user interaction into a single transformable system.

Michael Jantzen’s Interactive Segmented House of the Future explores adaptive residential design

the concept envisions a self-contained structure responsive to environmental conditions

five movable segments surround a central living core

each segment can rotate manually or automatically to adjust to its surroundings

the rotating modules respond to sunlight, wind, rainfall, and views

lightweight steel frames form the primary structure of the house

each segment shares a consistent geometry with flexible performance

openings allow air captured by wind scoops to circulate through the interior

rotating windows direct sunlight, frame views, and shape interior lighting

the open-plan interior emphasizes adaptability and minimal spatial obstruction

a glass floor supported by steel enhances transparency and spatial flow

project info:

name: The Interactive Segmented House of the Future

The post five rotating modules reconfigure to form interactive segmented house of the future appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Google explores building data centers in space using constellations of solar-powered satellites to meet the computing demands of AI machines and models on Earth. Named Project Suncatcher, the research project expects to use the energy directly from the sun to run the data centers equipped with solar panels, which, as a result, can handle more computing power and energy used by machine learning systems and language models on Earth.

The proposal describes an AI space-based data center made of many small satellites, each equipped with solar panels, computing chips, and communication systems. These satellites would orbit the Earth in a formation, creating a cluster that works like one large computer network. The system would use Google Tensor Processing Units, which are chips made for machine learning and have already been tested for radiation and can survive about five years in orbit without permanent damage. The design includes solar arrays to collect energy, heat pipes and radiators to control temperature, and free-space optical communication links to connect the satellites.

image courtesy of NASA, via Unsplash

Google’s project suncatcher uses solar-powered satellites

An additional design element for Google’s AI data centers in space includes optical links that use light instead of radio waves to send data for faster communication between satellites and reduce delay. Each satellite would fly close to others in a formation about one kilometer wide, and the formation would be managed by machine learning models that control position and movement to avoid collisions. The satellites would orbit in constant sunlight to help the solar panels collect power without interruption, and the position also reduces the time needed to send data back to Earth (but the company says some delay in communication might still happen depending on ground locations).

Cooling is a major part of the design. Because space has no air, heat from the chips must move through solid materials to the radiators, releasing heat into space, so the team plans to use advanced thermal interface materials to transfer heat efficiently without mechanical parts. The plan also focuses on modular satellite design by building smaller satellites instead of one large structure to reduce the risk and costs. If one satellite fails, others can continue operating. Launching smaller units is also cheaper, as future launch costs to low-Earth orbit are expected to fall to about 200 USD per kilogram by the 2030s. The research describes building AI data centers in space as a milestone since they could perform like a normal Earth-based data center. Later on, Google plans to test real satellite communication and flight control and, over time, improve each part, including better cooling, stronger chip protection from radiation, and automated fault recovery.

image courtesy of Allison Saeng, via Unsplash

image generated on Gemini using the prompt ‘solar-powered satellited’

image courtesy of Ian Battaglia, via Unsplash

project info:

name: Project Suncatcher

company: Google | @google

research: here

The post google plans to build AI data centers in space using solar-powered satellites appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

This is the Makeshift Traveler, a solar-powered backpack by HomeMore Project that comes with a sleeping bag and pillow and supports individuals looking for permanent housing. An initiative by the HomeMore Project, the accessory is tailored to the needs of the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, allowing them to sustainably navigate their situation until they obtain permanent shelter. For the team, the Makeshift Traveler should be the last backpack that the user will carry on their back, the mark that signals the end of their journey on the streets.

Looking at the design of the solar-powered backpack, the hardshell exterior allows for a weatherproof surface so the individuals’ personal belongings are safe and stashed inside regardless of the environmental conditions. On top of it lies the solar panel that stores the energy within the accessory’s battery bank, letting the individuals charge their devices using a USB port. The latter part also features cables to charge the backpack as soon as the user has access to a wall charger. At the bottom of the MakeShift Traveler, the HomeMore Project team embeds a urethane-coated nylon pillow in their solar-powered backpack. In this way, users can rest without needing to bring an extra pillow, lockable using a double zipper system to ward off thieves and protect the individuals’ personal belongings, too.

all images courtesy of HomeMore Project

Makeshift traveler includes useful kits in the accessory

The pillow and panel aren’t the only ones individuals have when they carry the solar-powered backpack by the HomeMore Project. The Makeshift Traveler also includes an FM/AM radio and a pair of headphones, a rechargeable LED flashlight with three modes, a 24-ounce water bottle, a rain pocket coat, a hygiene kit, a security lock, and a pair of bombas socks. There’s also a foldable tent included to temporarily shelter the individuals from extreme weather conditions, and outside, strapped at the bottom of the solar-powered backpack, the team from HomeMore Project even adds a sleeping bag with a nylon outer and a fuzzy inside to keep the users warm day and night.

The HomeMore Project worked on developing the Makeshift Traveler for 18 months after gathering first-hand feedback and observations in the Tenderloin Neighborhood of San Francisco, California, where many individuals seek shelter on the streets. On October 1st, 2022, the team launched the solar-powered backpack, delivering more than 1,200 models to individuals experiencing homelessness across 25 cities in California. In 2025, they’re set to launch the fourth and upgraded design of the accessory, anticipating a delivery of over 2,000 models in 2025 alone. The team has also set up a contribution page to allow readers to donate a Makeshift Traveler to those who need it.

HomeMore Project’s solar-powered backpack comes with a rolled-up sleeping bag

the kit includes a hygiene pack, a rechargeable LED flashlight, some socks, and more

detailed view of the solar panel on top of the accessory

view of the embedded weatherproof pillow

in 2025, the team is set to launch the fourth and upgraded design of the accessory

project info:

name: Makeshift Traveler

initiative: HomeMore Project | @thehomemoreproject

The post solar-powered backpack with sleeping bag and pillow provides shelter for the homeless appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Mercedes-Benz introduces Vision Iconic, a car with Art Deco designs and a reinterpreted radiator grille featuring lighting animations. Unveiled in Shanghai on October 14th, 2025, the automobile draws design cues from the Mercedes-Benz Typ 540K Autobahn-Kurier, the company’s 1938 roadster with an elongated front, ballooned wheel arches, large round headlights, and a sloping-down roof to the rear. For the recent Vision Iconic, Mercedes-Benz brings over the style of Art Deco.

In an interview with designboom in Shanghai, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, tells us that Art Deco has always been an inspiration to him. ‘Even when I started being the Chief Designer in 2008, the generation of cars we produced carried that kind of dropping shapes and lines, which is an Art Deco signature. We always referred back to that because for me, it is classic luxury and it is part of the company’s DNA. Now, it is part of the Vision Iconic car,’ he says. At the premiere of the vehicle, MAD’s Ma Yansong was present and took the stage with the Chief Design Officer when the red veil was lifted off. After the event, the two visited the nearby design exhibition that showcases MAD’s works on the Lucas Museum and the Shenzen Bay.

all images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, unless stated otherwise

Art deco designs and marquetry decorate the interiors

Stepping inside the car, the centerpiece is the instrument panel shaped as a floating glass, named Zeppelin. Its design evokes the carefully placed lines and geometric shapes that define the decorative, artistic style. As soon as the door opens, the instrument clutter comes to life with an analog animation inspired by chronographs. There’s a pillar-to-pillar screen on view, and at the center of it lies a clock shaped like the company’s iconic star logo, acting as an AI companion. Behind the Zeppelin, a decorative surface unfolds with a pearl look.

This marquetry shows up around the door panels, encircling the polished brass door handles in silver and gold tones before reaching the star patterns that frame the rear seat. The seats at the front come through as a single bench in deep blue velvet. In front of the driver, the four-spoke steering wheel carries the Mercedes-Benz logo for the Vision Iconic, floating inside a glass sphere and clasped by the spokes as if it were a piece of jewelry. The interior floors are designed with straw marquetry, a decorative technique dating back to the 17th century and revived in the 1920s. The design team handcrafts the finish in a fan-shaped Art Deco motif, a continuation of the artistic style.

the car draws design cues from the Mercedes-Benz 1938 roadster with an elongated front

Reimagined Animated radiator grille with smoked-glass design

For the Vision Iconic car, Mercedes-Benz pays homage to the upright grilles of the company’s iconic models, such as the W 108, the W 111 and the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman. For the recent model, the grille, which was first introduced in the all-new electric GLC vehicle in September 2025, comes with an animated system, a wide chromed frame, a smoked-glass lattice structure and integrated contour lighting. The deep black high-gloss paint finish of the vehicle underlines the sculptural exterior design of the show car, more so the illuminating upright star on top of the reinterpreted radiator grille, shining brightly as a signal to the upcoming new generation of Mercedes-Benz cars.

With designboom, Gorden Wagener shares that the company constantly searches for what can make its design iconic ‘to let us stand out from the sea of sameness of other cars and to make us a leading iconic brand. When you see the radiator grille, it’s almost like a piece of art with 100 years of tradition. We didn’t just take an old grille and put it in a new car. We made it into a high-tech piece, an LED wall that you can animate with pixels that used to be square intakes for air. Now it’s square LEDs, and with that, we bring it into a new generation and we put it into an aluminum plate that gives that richness and appearance when we see it outside in the sunlight,’ he says.

Mercedes-Benz pays homage to the upright grilles of its iconic models, such as the W 108 and the W 111

The group’s Chief Design Officer guides us through the design elements within the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic car. He reveals that all of the company’s new generation of vehicles have a complete virtual instrument panel. ‘We replaced the hardware design now with software design with our new MBX system. This car here, the Vision Iconic, is actually a kind of antithesis of that, saying, “With increasing digitalization, people want more analog solutions again.” In the probably not far distant future, given the use of large language models, I think voice operation will become predominant at one point, so you touch less and you speak more, like we do as humans,’ he shares.

In the recent car, Gorden Wagener explains that the team puts emphasis on haptics and was inspired by the instrument panels of the automotive designs in the 1930s, ‘being that glass kind of thing with the two beautiful pieces inside. Then, there’s also the Art Deco-inspired seat, which feels like a sofa in a living room. We say the car of the future is not the smartphone on wheels, but it’s maybe the smart home on wheels, and the cozy sofa is where you can snuggle in while the car is driving autonomously. This is the idea behind that. Other than that, we of course take materials like mother-of-pearl and gold to make it look opulent,’ he adds.

the grille comes with a wide chromed frame, a smoked-glass lattice structure and integrated contour lighting

A slew of other innovations defines the recent Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic, including its solar coating, which is a paint similar to a paste that turns the surface of any electric vehicle into a photovoltaic-active exterior. This means that the entire outside of the vehicle can harness solar power, depending on the location and local conditions, and recharge itself to add additional driving range. The company says that the solar cells in the coating have a high efficiency of 20 percent and generate energy continuously, even when the vehicle is switched off and that the paint doesn’t have any rare earths or silicone and can be recycled easily. 

Together with the show car, Mercedes-Benz also presents a capsule collection consisting of six outfits. Here, the Art Deco approach in the Vision Iconic continues, with dark blue nuances and silver-gold accents highlighting the clothing designs. Each piece comes from fabrics that were typically used between the 1920s and 1930s, and the collection is an homage to Shanghai Fashion Week, which takes place at the same time as the unveiling of the Vision Iconic car. Before our interview with Gorden Wagener wraps up, he explores the future of Mercedes-Benz’s automotive designs following the Vision Iconic car. ‘This car here gives a glimpse into the future. For me as a designer, the most important part is to create an identity that has iconic potential because that differentiates good design from mainstream design and lets you stick out of the sea of sameness. This brand has all the potential for that. This car embodies that. In whatever we do, we follow that path,’ he concludes.

rear view of the show car

the centerpiece is the instrument panel shaped as a floating glass

marquetry and designs inspired by Art Deco appear throughout the cabin

detailed view of the velvet seats, still inspired by the Art Deco era

MAD’s Ma Yansong present at the world premiere of the show car in Shanghai

at the moment, the Vision Iconic is a show car

project info:

name: Vision Iconic

company: Mercedes-Benz | @mercedesbenz

The post mercedes-benz reveals art deco-inspired vision iconic car with animated radiator grille appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

SINN Power creates floating vertical solar panels named SKipp to harness the energy from sunlight directly on ponds, lakes, fish farms, lagoons, and other water bodies. Recently, the team has produced and planted a series of solar panels in a gravel pond in Bavaria, Germany, specifically in Gilching, near Munich. The company says that the project can produce an energy output that meets around 70 percent of the gravel plant’s annual electricity demand, making the operation mostly self-sufficient in energy. The floating vertical solar panels can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 934 tons per year, as the company claims. The structure of the system is based on floating photovoltaic modules. These solar panels are mounted vertically on hollow plastic barrels that allow them to float on the pond and to tilt back and forth without actually falling. 

When wind pressure increases, the modules can tilt backward and then return to their original position when the wind drops. The design makes sure that the structure is away from any mechanical stress and damage while keeping the modules stable on the water. The flexible motion also helps manage the system during harsh weather conditions. Anchoring is done on the shore, making the project modular, too. The vertical orientation also means that snow can slide off naturally, preventing buildup that could block sunlight. Each SKipp unit has bifacial modules, which generate power from both sides of the solar panel: the front captures direct sunlight, while the back collects reflected light from the water surface, allowing for sunlight harnessing regardless of the rays’ positions.

all images courtesy of SINN Power

modular structures absorb sunlight from water bodies

The floating vertical solar panels by SINN Power fall under the company’s SKipp system, which is a product family of modular and tiltable photovoltaic modules. Unlike traditional solar-power structures, these modules are designed to perform on rooftops, water bodies, or other difficult locations where traditional fixed solar systems are not suitable. The panels are mounted vertically and can deflect under wind pressure, and they can also expand or shrink based on project size and energy needs. The design also supports fast installation and easy replacement of individual parts, and the system’s construction allows for up to 30 percent more modules to be installed compared to standard floating or land-based systems, which can improve the total energy output per site.

The design follows a 15 percent water coverage regulation, which means that most of the water surface is still open. Thanks to this setup, the panels don’t affect the water ecology and keep the installation suitable even for smaller bodies of water. The open structure also allows sunlight and oxygen to reach the water. The materials used in the floating system include plastic floats, metal frames, and photovoltaic glass modules. The plastic floats are sealed to remain buoyant over time, while the frames are corrosion-resistant to handle constant contact with moisture. The panels are made of layered glass and silicon cells, and they can withstand exposure to sun, wind, and water vapor. At the present time, the company has installed the floating vertical solar panels in a couple of cities around Germany.

floating vertical solar panels harness the energy from sunlight directly on water bodies

recently, the team has produced and planted a series of solar panels in a gravel pond in Bavaria, Germany

the structures stand on hollow plastic barrels

the materials used in the floating system include plastic floats, metal frames, and photovoltaic glass modules

the plastic floats are sealed to remain buoyant over time

the panels are made of layered glass and silicon cells

project info:

name: SKipp

company: SINN Power | @sinnpower

The post floating vertical solar panels capture sun’s energy from ponds, lakes, fish farms and lagoons appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California develop Hapt-Aids, a wearable bandage with a solar cell that can detect how long the user has been exposed to the sun. A device for health and activity monitoring, the attachable system is created to be small, light, and self-powered. It does not need charging, batteries, or wireless connections, as the system turns human activity into energy and uses that energy to send signals to the user. Current wearable devices like smartwatches can track activity, steps, or exercise, but they need charging, updates, and wireless connections and use sensors, processors, and digital systems that can make them complex and expensive. Hapt-Aids, on the other hand, are designed to be simple, low-cost, and maintenance-free. 

Once a user wears one, it works automatically without further action. It can be attached to the skin like a bandage or sticker, and collects energy from human movement or from the environment, such as sunlight or body motion. The energy is stored in a small capacitor, and when the stored energy reaches a set level, the device releases it through a small vibration motor. This vibration tells the user that a certain activity level, like walking distance or sun exposure, has been reached. The design doesn’t use digital sensors or microcontrollers. Instead, the amount of harvested energy is used as a direct measure of activity so the more the user moves or is exposed to energy, the more energy the device collects. Because it is based on energy harvesting, it does not need an external power source, meaning that the system is built using analog circuits that use little power.

all images courtesy of the researchers Vivian Shen, Xiaoying Yang, Chris Harrison, Yang Zhang

Energy harvester for the wearable bandage with solar cell

The wearable bandage with a solar cell includes an energy harvester, a capacitor for energy storage, and a haptic actuator for vibration. The type of energy harvester changes depending on the activity. For example, a solar cell can collect sunlight for monitoring sun exposure to let the user know how long they have been in the sun, while a piezoelectric film can collect energy from body movement or muscle motion. When the capacitor reaches its threshold, it releases stored energy to the actuator, which vibrates to notify the user. The vibration system allows the user to receive feedback without looking at the device as well as allows them to wear it under their clothes.

In testing, the researchers from the two universities created four prototype versions of Hapt-Aids. Each one focused on different activities such as movement, exposure, or contact. The study documents the tests in the lab and user studies, which confirmed that the device can store enough energy to work effectively and deliver noticeable vibration signals. The device’s design allows users to adjust when it vibrates using the small knob on the wearable bandage with a solar cell. This lets the user set their own target, such as how long they want to stay in the sun or how much they want to walk. When the target is reached, the Hapt-Aid vibrates. So far, the researchers see their device used for various health applications, like a patch on the arm that can track sunlight exposure to avoid skin damage. There’s no news yet on the commercial availability of Hapt-Aids.

researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California develop Hapt-Aids

it is a wearable bandage with a solar cell that can detect how long the user has been exposed to the sun

the attachable system is created to be small, light, and self-powered

project info:

name: Hapt-Aids: Self-Powered, On-Body Haptics for Activity Monitoring

institutions: Carnegie Mellon University, University of California | @carnegiemellon, @uofcalifornia

researchers: Vivian Shen, Xiaoying Yang, Chris Harrison, Yang Zhang

study: here

The post wearable bandage with solar cell can detect how long the user has been sunbathing appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.