Marjan van Aubel Studio Designs Colorful Solar- Paneled Roof Of The Netherlands Pavilion During The Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Netherlands Pavilion (The Dutch Biotope) by V8 Architects ; Roof design by Marjan van Aubel Studio - Image © V8 Architects
Image © V8 Architects

Made out of lightweight, organic, transparent solar cells (OPV), Marjan van Aubel Studio’s colorful solar roof  will span across the Netherlands Pavilion during the Expo 2020 in Dubai. The studio has marked their presence in the field with innovative solar energy based products before, and has once again combined technology with aesthetics for this futuristic design.

The Netherlands Pavilion (The Dutch Biotope) by V8 Architects ; Roof design by Marjan van Aubel Studio - Image © V8 Architects

The vibrant patterns, specifically designed for the pavilion will let the visitors have a unique sensory experience. The Netherlands Pavilion, also known as  The Dutch Biotope, designed by V8 Architects, is a temporary circular climate system where energy, water and food solutions are connected. The solar panels are made using sustainable materials. The panels will collect energy from Dubai’s sun rays to power the pavilion, while also allowing sunlight into the pavilion, and filter the right spectrum of light which the edible plants on the food cone use for photosynthesis. 

The Netherlands Pavilion (The Dutch Biotope) by V8 Architects ; Roof design by Marjan van Aubel Studio - Image via Marjan van Aubel Studio
Image © Marjan van Aubel Studio
The Netherlands Pavilion (The Dutch Biotope) by V8 Architects ; Roof design by Marjan van Aubel Studio - Image © Marjan van Aubel Studio
Image © Marjan van Aubel Studio

The designer, van Aubel. demonstrates that solar panels can go beyond its functionality, of harvesting solar energy, and can be conceived as a form of art as well.   The graphic design is made with a colored Moiré effect; the lines and patterns are interacting with each other creating beautiful light reflections in the pavilion. The colored ARMOR ASCA® OPV, a third-generation solar technology, is printed on PET foils and is produced in a sustainable manner. They are lightweight, making it easily transportable.

The Netherlands Pavilion (The Dutch Biotope) by V8 Architects ; Roof design by Marjan van Aubel Studio - Image © Marjan van Aubel Studio
Image © Marjan van Aubel Studio
The Netherlands Pavilion (The Dutch Biotope) by V8 Architects ; Roof design by Marjan van Aubel Studio - Image © V8 Architects
Image © V8 Architects

The panels will get a second life after Expo 2020 Dubai and are designed in such a way that it’s easily taken apart and can be reassembled. Instead of just seeing solar as a technology, this work shows solar with an emotional value, using the power of design to make solar energy accessible for everyone everywhere.

The Netherlands Pavilion (The Dutch Biotope) by V8 Architects ; Roof design by Marjan van Aubel Studio - Image via Marjan van Aubel Studio
Image © Marjan van Aubel Studio
About the designer

Marjan van Aubel is a Dutch award-winning solar designer who seamlessly integrates solar power into our environments such as in buildings and objects. van Aubel’s most notable works are “Current Table! and “Power Plant!; she also recently launched her first solar design product, ‘Sunne’ – a solar light that mimics the sun. Her work is part of permanent collections of museums such as MoMA New York, the V&A London and Boijmans van Beuningen in the Netherlands, to name but a few. She has collaborated with global brands such as Cos, Timberland and Swarovski with the aim of accelerating global energy transition to solar.

Project Images

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