“Solar Loop”, image courtesy Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects shared with us their finalist entry for the LAND ART GENERATOR INITIATIVE in FreshKills Park, New York City.

The aim  of the “Solar Loop” is to expose more surface as possible to the southern solar rays. The shape comes directly from the solar diagrams, and deals easily with the sun following it with the best  angle almost like a frozen  artificial sunflower.

“Solar Loop”, image courtesy Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

The aesthetic of the sculpture is the result of this dialogue that becomes synthesis between the solar power and Freshkills park.

This landmark will organize the park life inside and outside.

“Solar Loop”, image courtesy Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

Potentially it could be thought as a no-dimension element that could be multiplied in different sizes on the park’s needs, to yield energy and living spaces.

Thinking in small it could be a shelter, thinking in big could be an arena to organize medium/big events inside such as  concerts, sport  events, speeches; ready to be the new reference point  for the park’s visitors.

“Solar Loop”, image courtesy Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

The “Solar Loop” is composed by two different surfaces that twist one into the other. The first one is the photovoltaic surface always exposed to the sun with the more performative angle, the second is the mirrored surface that reflects  all the surrounding  to multiply the spectacularity  of the  landscape as a single either multiple landmark.

The Freshkills’ East area is the most sunny part of the park all the year long, and the easiest accessed park visually connected with the Manhattan Skyline.

“A solar catalyst, a crowd and cultural catalyst, it will be the park’s nest”.

Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

“Solar Loop”, render courtesy Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

“Solar Loop”, render courtesy Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

“Solar Loop”, drawing courtesy Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

“Solar Loop”, drawing courtesy Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

+ Project facts

Energy Technology:
Thin Film Photovoltaic

Annual Capacity:
10,000 megawatt-hours

CREDITS:
Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects

Design Team:
Paolo Venturella
Gilberto Bonelli
Alessandro Balducci
Rocco Valantines
Mario Emanuele Salini
Pietro Bodria

Renderings:
+imgs

Website:
www.mmpaa.eu