Architectural Engineering - PV as Art - Heros Daylight School

Abstract

Keeping in mind the European Parliament mandate for all new buildings constructed in Europe after 2020 to be nearly carbon-neutral, it is generally expected that in this century photovoltaics will become a substantial contribution to the power production of buildings. The increasing number of solar panels mounted on roofs all over the world is a good development, but not fed by an architectural approach. The solar panels are an addition to the - by Koolhaas so-called - "Junkspace". Besides, somehow during the 1960s, we forgot everything we knew about the art and science of daylighting; cheap energy and air conditioning did us in. Many studies show us now the importance and benefits of daylight. Important for the best formation of roof daylight is to avoid direct light and allow diffuse light; in contrast solar panels require direct light. In this way a golden combination is found. It is important that there will be innovation towards a roof-mounted sunshading system which not combines, but integrates daylight and solar energy. A system that even allows comfortable, diffuse daylight as arranges a constant energy production. For this innovation a tracking system is an essential part. With the design for the Heros Daylight School on the Marineterrein in Amsterdam I would like to give an example how this integration of daylight and solar energy can be done in an aesthetic and eco-efficient way.