Photovoltaic flowers, urban design, and sustainable mobility: the EcoRinascimento exhibition

PHOTOVOLTAIC FLOWERS INTERNATIONAL ECO-RENAISSANCE EXHIBITION –

In Italy, the Renaissance is considered the period that most exalted human ingenuity and technical prowess, marking a break with medieval patterns and practices. Artistic and scientific progress, the undisputed protagonist of that era, is now at the center of new challenges centered on the integration of technologies for the production of renewable energy in urban areas and environments. Cultural Association "EcoRinascimento" took up this challenge by setting up the International Exhibition “EcoRenaissance in Montepulciano”", near the historic and evocative Medici Fortress. The project, curated by architect Massimiliano Silvestri and designer Elisa Amarena, takes place in the exhibition spaces of the Fortress and the Garden, where visitors can see demonstrations of various ideas related to urban design and sustainable mobility, such as Photovoltaic Flowers and the Ecoshuttle. Visitors can also admire works from the Tuscan artistic tradition as well as contemporary and international creations.

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PHOTOVOLTAIC FLOWERS –

An example of urban design and expression of the union between art and technology are the photovoltaic flowersThey were born from the idea of ​​architect Massimiliano Silvestri, whose goal was to produce energy not only sustainably but also in harmony with the surrounding area and the city environment. Although their shape recalls the natural physiognomy of a flower, photovoltaic flowers are made up of petals that can produce energy Unlike those belonging to the natural archetype, the size of the petals determines the amount of energy that can be produced, and possibly stored in batteries. Flowers are able to satisfy the energy needs of both small appliances, such as tablets and cell phones, and lighting systems in gardens and homes.. 

ECOSHUTTLE, ECOBIKE AND COVERED CYCLE LANE –

Among the projects focused on the development of the transport sector is theEcoshuttle. A valid alternative to the tram and the metro, The Ecoshuttle is a suspended means of transport that allows you to connect parts of the city directly and without interfering with the structure of the roadway.. In addition to having this function, the Ecoshuttle It provides panoramic views from above and may be able to redevelop particularly sensitive and degraded areas of cities. Other ideas on display are TheEcoBike, that is, a folding bicycle with pedal assistance and photovoltaic roof, and la covered cycle pathThe latter allows for kilometers of photovoltaic surface to be covered, providing a service to cyclists, sheltering them from rain and scorching sun, but also to the community by producing electricity without using agricultural land for the installation of photovoltaic panels. 

THE WORKS AND ARTISTS ON DISPLAY –

In addition to the illustrations of the projects, the exhibition also reserves space to sections more focused on the artistic aspect. Representing the Tuscan tradition, the master sculptors of Alabaster of Volterra, with the works of Daniele Boldrini, Renato Casini, Marco Ricciardi, and Nello Trinciarelli. The works exhibited in the Recycling Art section are: by Antonella Turconi from Como, created by reusing bicycle scraps. On the upper floor of the Fortress, works by international guest artist Anita Bjørbekk are displayed. Internationally renowned Italian artists are also represented, such as cartoonist Enzo Troiano from Naples and street artist AXE from Padua, as well as contemporary artists such as Adriano Cipolletti, Tommaso Infè, Arnaldo Marini, Ilenia Massai, Sylvia Teri, Giorgio Antonio Coccioli, Elisa Amerena, Mirko Fabiano, and Cinzia Bardelli.

You can visit the exhibition until June 30, 2016 at the Fortezza di Montepulciano in Via San Donato 14.

The project is competing for the 2016 edition of the Non Sprecare Award. To learn more about the competition and participate, go to here!

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TO KNOW MORE: Renewable energy: In Germany, a municipality runs on wind, solar, and biogas alone.