We slowly (but hopefully relentlessly) pursue more sustainable lifestyles. And urban infrastructures, as a consequence, seem to follow suit. In the next few years, electric car charging stations will pop up on street corners, and smart benches that use solar energy to power WiFi hotspots will also pop up.
The architect Peter Kuczia has reinterpreted the typical cycle paths in a sustainable way and conceived Solar Veloroute. It is a multifunctional photovoltaic path and a structure for pedestrians and motorcyclists of the city.
Many people living in the city have adopted the bike as their preferred means of transport, prompting designers and authorities to reinvent bike lanes and public transport. Bike paths in particular (also known as Veloroutes) are becoming more and more reference points for cities.
Solar Veloroute, "energy" cycle paths
Given the rapidly growing demand for cycle paths, Kuczia has created a Solar Veloroute. The track includes a photovoltaic tunnel structure that acts as a solar canopy for cyclists and pedestrians, and a public structure where commuters can enjoy illuminated paths at night and charging stations for bikes or smartphones. The concept of these cycle paths is presented as a partially closed rounded arch, built with superimposed anti-reflective glass solar panels, attached to the tubular steel arches.
Solar Veloroute cycle paths collect solar energy during the day for charging stations and on-site lighting. Excess energy can be distributed and used for additional services.
A precious resource
To ensure that these cycle paths also serve as educational experiences, Kuczia has also set up panels with information on the role of these structures.
A single kilometer of these cycle paths could provide around 2.000 MWh of electricity and power 750 households or supply electricity to more than 1.000 electric cars of 11.000 km per year.
Peter Kuczia
