Photosynthetic Skyscrapers

Many markets are being influenced by the green movement that have gained gravity in the last decade. When you think about architecture, one of the first things that might come to mind are aesthetic buildings designed to be pleasing on the eyes. But this doesn’t mean that it’s given that architectural design is void from these climate changes that move the industries.

DOGA’s Designdrevet Innovasjonsprogram (DIP) is a design funding program for applicants whose projects fulfill certain criteria, such as innovativeness, appliance of design competence, measurable effects and customer needs. Funded projects must also be impossible to execute without the funding.

Steni AS have recently been granted DIP-funding to develop facade-integrated solar panels, in collaboration with EGGS Design, UiS and Syddansk Universitet. If buildings could produce their own electricity, long distance transfers of energy could be reduced and, if the technology doesn’t add too much weight, it could be evaluated to mount panels on cars for example.

From the DIP list of approved projects, we see that most approved projects serve sustainable or humanitarian purposes. Steni values respect for those around them and their environments, innovative products that lasts, which shines through their integrated solar panels.

DOGA’s terms for funding seem to match up with Steni’s identity, products, and vision; which sounds “Creating the ultimate building expressions for future generations”. Seeing that Steni was established in 1965, and harboring the values they have, they might be considered very trustworthy from DOGA’s point of view. Not to mention that DOGA, which translated stands for Design and Architecture Norway, floats in the same space of interest; design and architecture. When Steni asks for funding, DOGA might already know who they are, what they stand for and what they do. But by supporting their solar panels, not only do they support the project, but they also further advocate sustainability – especially if the tech could be used in a broader fashion.

This is strictly sponsorship, not an investment with expectations for profit. But having similar thoughts as an investor could also end in an agreement where the investor would give Steni the cash necessary to develop the panels.

Seeing that Steni have investors, I don’t think it’s unlikely that these also have, or will, chip in to finance the project, since the funding only amounted to 645 000 NOK. The partners will use the money to a first phase where they will declare the market, the rights, further planning and further financing. This could mean that the investors will do the heavy money lifting when the product is developed. The investors are likely to have friends in different places in the market, which means that, when the product is developed, the technology could be applied in other places. If they are very successful, it could also enable the investors, and the firm, to make new friends across markets. Making new contacts like this could result in new ideas, cheaper material supply and wider horizons.