Initiated by solar designers Marjan van Aubel and Pauline van Dongen, The first Solar Biennale at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam critically reflects on the use of solar energy and the prevailing technological and economic perspectives surrounding its use.
For six weeks, the biennial focuses on the human side: a solar-powered world goes beyond scientific research and uniform solar panels. Cultural practices and location-based energy needs will help shape a post-fossil fuel future. In September and October 2022, The Solar Biennale in Rotterdam will present a variety of programs. Inviting designers, scientists, solar industry practitioners, and policymakers to formulate answers and exchange ideas.
The Solar Biënnale explores new solar futures built on the power of design. The central question of this first edition is: “How can we design a post-fossil future using the power of the sun.” Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam will host the central exhibition of The Solar Biënnale, which will be curated by Matylda Krzykowski. The Energy Show – Sun, Solar and Human Power revolves entirely around the sun and its design possibilities. It reflects on the visitor’s personal energy levels, and features dozens of innovative examples of solar technology.
This exhibition presents projects by artists, designers, and researchers from all over the world. From groundbreaking inventions by solar queen Mária Telkes to the experimental designs of Michael Jantzen. From solar-integrated architecture by Jessenvollenweider to the creative ideas of movements such as Solar Power for Artists and Solar Mamas.
Impact of solar energy
Arranged chronologically, The Energy Show takes visitors on a journey through the history of the sun. In brightly decorated spaces, the audience is asked to first reflect on their own energy culture. Before being introduced to a diverse range of projects and objects related to solar technology. Including several from the Museum of Solar Energy. This includes the first solar developments of the last century to future-oriented initiatives that can help with the energy transition. The Museum of Solar Energy not only highlights this wide-ranging theme from a technological and economic perspective. But also focuses on the ecological and social impact of solar energy.
Matylda Krzykowski and Het Nieuwe Instituut want to offer visitors, practitioners and other interested parties the opportunity to share their own solar energy initiatives. There was an open call and The Solar Energy Kiosk, a solar-powered installation developed by Rotterdam-based design studio Cream on Chrome, was a result.
