Project by: Tanvee Thapa, Vinayak Bhattacharya, Silvia Caremoli Project site: Parco Piazza D'Armi, Milan, Italy Solar energy, with its profound significance in nature, takes center stage in propelling mankind’s evolution in this project. The thesis takes the opportunity to unite modern-day solar parks into the urban fabric, aiming to forge a new and sustainable form of landscape. The primary focus is to decentralize energy production by creating a ‘zero-mile local energy smart grid’. Its core objective is to create a harmonious alliance between energy systems and the diverse natural environments within the abandoned military area by opening its edges and inviting the city to become an active and integrated participant in this sustainable endeavor. To achieve this, the proposal entails choosing a site based on the criticalities of setting up a PV plant followed by categorizing it into heterogenous spaces as per their morphology. Depending on each typicality, it adopts sustainable solutions for the cohesive integration of PV panels in a multi-faceted urban landscape. The outcome encompasses: a community solar park inviting users for a unique experience, revitalized military barracks transformed into a thriving hub igniting economic growth, and former illicit orchards reshaped into solar-powered community gardens. By forging a unique alliance between the natural environment and architectural technology, the park not only cultivates resilience, social integration, and sustainability but also serves as an educational platform, empowering and involving the community in the adoption of sustainable practices.

Interweaving across different environments

The word SO x CO stands for multiplying Solar Communities with the help of eX-military abandoned buildings in Italy.

Defining Solar-Urban Nexus

Inviting people to accept new energy landscapes within an urban context.

Piazza D'Armi- A transformed ex-Military warehouse

A Multi-Pedestrian hub with tree-formed "Voids" breathing life into the former traces. Historical imprints such as cafeterias, libraries, and student havens bolster the economy.

From abandoned orchards to Community Orchards

An enclave abundant with the familiarity of the past orchards and habitats, manifesting Residents' desires for personal cultivation and social bonds. Here each adaptable module mirrors historical settlements, merging, dividing, and embracing thematic evolution.

Each module can be replaced, divided, merged and themed

Arranged in a 4*4 grid of wooden elements, these versatile modules serve as individual units or can be grouped to create a cohesive community space. Positioned over historical traces, they optimize sun exposure cultivating a self-sustainable communal orchard.