City malls, multiplexes or any other urban hangout zone consumes a lot of energy and power. Power that is generated through non-renewable resources needs to be saved, but the solution surely cannot be sitting at home and not enjoying a fun time. To solve this problem, a proposal of a neighborhood zone that is self-sustaining in terms of energy seems like a winning solution. Such a proposal of a self-sustaining urban space was presented at the Pont’è Pigneto Competition.
This Pini@Pigneto idea shared by GOMMAdesign presents an ideal urban space which holds the promise of a good time, without causing any harm to the environment. The architecture and design of this project is inspired by nature and that is only logical because the whole project is a homage to nature. The project involves recycling waste metallic materials and harnessing natural renewable sources for energy.
The location of this project is the ancient pedestrian bridge in the Pigneti neighborhood in Rome.The name Pigneto is born out of the inspiration provided by a long row of maritime pine trees that was planted way back in the 18th century by the Caballini family. The most defining aspect of this proposal is the canopy of the photovoltaic cells that forms the treetop. The cluster of these pine trees perform three vital functions.
During the day time it captures solar energy, at night this solar energy provides the required energy for lighting the LED lamps. During the day this cluster of pine trees provides the much needed natural shadow from the harsh sunlight. The trunk and the branches of these trees are composed of tubular galvanized steel pipes, which are commonly used as railroad pylons.This outer structure performs a dual function.
Firstly, it conceals the wires and other electrical parts and supports both the leaves and the plates which constitute the base of this structure. The plates at the base of the square are held together by cantilevers that are attached to the branches of these pine trees.Keeping in mind the intimate nature of the neighborhood , this self-sustaining square approximates more towards the public yard than towards a glitzy urban square.
It offers the perfect space for experiencing the community feeling of a chilled out and informal social intermingling. The photo-voltaic cells or the leaves of the pine trees makes this project an environment friendly one. The design and placement of these leaves is unique. Every leaf has a tilt angle that allows maximum exposure to sunlight and ensures that no leaf receives shade from an adjacent one. These solar panels also have LED’s that allow diffuse lighting during the evening.
Once lit up, this square looks like a jewel crown which can be the cynosure of the neighborhood. The environment friendly aspect is not restricted to lighting alone, the square also promotes green transportation options like cycling. It has a three meter wide bicycling path with a parking area. Motor vehicles will have to opt for the nearest driveways. The Pigneto proposal of the self sustaining urban square sets a great example of re-creating that old-neighborhood feel without causing any harm to the environment. One only hopes that the Pigneto proposal serves as an inspiration for promoting new green ideas that can be effectively incorporated into modern life.
Via: Plusmood
