Towering solar sculptures in Seattle can be found on the grounds of one of the city’s most frequented institutions. These first-of-its-kind solar flowers seem to reflect solar power’s potential during the day and come alive at night. These are not just solar systems but a combination of art, technology, and sustainability. Seatle based artist, Dan Corson’s solar flowers also lights up at night.
An artwork reflecting the potential of solar power
Dan Corson had responded to a call for artwork submissions from the Pacific Science Center. The drawing submitted by Dan had been called, “Humming Heliotrope”. Dan chose the Latin word, “Heliotrope”, which means turning toward the sun as his whimsical artwork reflected gigantic flower blooms turning to the sun to harness the sun’s power during the day and then glowing vividly throughout the night.
The design put forward by Corson is now gigantic flowers that stand more or less 33 feet tall with petals that are about 20 feet wide. The gorgeous blooms have 270 four watt solar panels embedded in them. While the high towering structures harness solar power, it uses the power to power up the LED lights found beneath the panel so as to ensure the blooms glow during the evening.
Drawing design inspiration from the Australian firewheel tree, the panels are angled in a way to reflect how the sun’s energy gets captured. The beauty part is that the energy generated by these blooms can be tracked by visitors and is reflected on a kiosk that is meant to track energy data in real time.
The flowers come to life due to interactivity
The solar installation is so impactful as it not only harnesses power but produces subtle harmonious tones when people pass each flower by. The sound is produced by the embedded motion sensors making the whole experience interactive, immersive, and reflective. The blooms do not produce the same sound but together all five photovoltaic blooms create a harmonious masterpiece.
Interactivity is further offered because the light beckons the crowd. With artistic expression at the forefront of the installation in Seattle, visitors get more inspired to take note of the power of solar. Vistors can capture photos of the colorful flowers. Aside from being an aesthetically pleasing artwork, it is an educational experience too. Community members can also reap the benefit of gathering under the flower structure to admire its beauty and purpose.
More than just art, a renewable energy investment
The project was funded by Seattle City Light’s Green Up program that encourages the residents to understand the potential of investing in renewable energy and to understand the impact of the return on investment.
Aside from just grabbing the attention of community members, the structure gained the attention of municipal officers in South Korea. Seoul is drawing inspiration from the installation for its own musical streetlights. Perhaps solar-integrated art has its place in future sustainability missions. This may not be the first photovoltaic flower, but it is five photovoltaic flowers working together.
Blooms by any other name would not smell so sweet
Unveiled three years after planning and engineering initiatives, this installation can be found outside the gates of the Pacific Science Center. Being accessible to all and free, it surely is getting the public to flock to see this solar structure. Being named the Sonic Bloom, the solar structure reflects sustainability and creative genius. It proves the fact that solar power can be as beautiful as it is important.
The Sonic Boom has dispeled all generalizations that solar structures need to be bulky and unappealing to get the job done. Deviating from the more conventional solar power generators, this solar structure sets the precedent for future solar designs. It also inspires people and provokes them to take a liking to sustainable solutions.
Perhaps the Sonic Boom does spell the end of solar power as we know it along with the flower that generates energy and enables you to have it at your home.
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