This is the first event in a series of four on solar design by Solar Biennale. During this first evening we explore our personal relations with (solar) energy and the sun. The question we will address is how solar energy can generate a closer relationship with our natural environment and circadian rhythms, allowing us to exchange the Anthropocene for an ecocentric world.
The sun, our source of life, has become the cheapest source of energy today. Yet designing a fossil-free world for all, powered by the sun, requires more than technocratic solutionism and one-size-fits-all panels. This solar-powered world needs to be mindful of circadian rhythms, of human behavior, cultural practices and energy needs tied to a specific place and system. The Solar Biennale envisions and critically reflects on the future of solar energy.
With our guest speakers, we place energy in an emotional context, recognizing that it is something personal, intimate and often below our consciousness.
About the speakers
Marjan van Aubel is an award-winning innovative solar designer who brings solar energy into daily life. She is currently writing a book on the Future of Solar Energy and started the Solar Movement with first outcome; a Solar Biennale in 2022. In October 2021 the World Expo in Dubai will showcase her newest Solar Roof for the Netherlands Pavillion. 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.
Pauline van Dongen is a designer and researcher. She explores human-garment relationships and alternative fashion (design) practices through the development of smart textiles and clothing. Her design studio received international recognition with projects such as the Solar Shirt, Phototrope and Issho. With her vision and through a hands-on, ‘material aesthetics’ approach she emphasizes the value of the physical, sensory experience of clothing and the nurturing qualities of textiles. This is central to her PhD dissertation entitled: A Designer’s Material-Aesthetics Reflections on Fashion and Technology with which she received her doctoral degree from Eindhoven University of Technology in 2019. Besides running her own design studio, Pauline is a postdoc researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology, she is co-founder of The Solar Movement and co-initiator of The Solar Biennale, and is a member of the advisory board of the ‘ArtEZ Fashion Professorship’ and of ‘New Order of Fashion’. Pauline received several nominations for her work: she was selected by Forbes for their list of ‘Top 50 Women in Tech Europe’ (2018) and as ‘MIT Innovator under 35 Europe’ (2017).
Arash Aazami is futurist, entrepreneur and system innovator. He studied jazz and rock guitar, worked as a musician, and later founded several IT startups. In 2006 he found his calling in the energy sector. He became director of an energy supplier and developed a radical new view on our energy supply, the Internet of Energy. In 2015, Arash founded Kamangir. His team of scientists, philosophers and creatives design a foundation for our future energy system and develops long-term visions for future generations.
Buro Belén is a design studio founded by Brecht Duijf and Lenneke Langenhuijsen that has a focus on material research, material application and creative direction. In their work they collaborate with crafts(wo)men, creatives, scientists, institutes and industry partners. In these collaborations, they work towards the beginnings of wearables, products and textiles. This is done by developing yarns, weavings, textures and surfaces that support, shelter or entice our sense of place. All encompass a profound longing for more sustainable and enchanting living environments. Through their multi-disciplinary approach, they adopt a holistic view on space, material and colours. The work of Buro Belén has been acquired by MoMa New York, Boijmans van Beuningen Rotterdam and Vitra Design Museum. Brecht and Lenneke currently lecture at Design Academy Eindhoven.
