Nature can teach us many things, even how to become independent from fossil fuels. A group of scientists has in fact based itself on one of the most surprising mechanisms of the natural world (the structure of the seeds in the sunflower) to develop the design of a new highly energy efficient city, capable of making the best use of the sun. Even in poorly irradiated areas.
Inspired by the perfection of the sunflower
Imagine a city where every single building absorbs the maximum amount of sun possible, producing clean and efficient energy for all its needs. A “sunflower city”. An innovative and sustainable urban planning model that is inspired by nature to maximize the use of solar energy.
How does the sunflower city work? – The secret of this revolutionary urban design lies in the layout of the buildings, which follows the distribution of seeds in the sunflower. Just as the seeds align to optimize sun exposure, the buildings in this pattern are also specifically arranged to ensure that each surface receives the right amount of sunlight.
What are the advantages of a “sunflower” city?
The benefits of this type of urban planning are multiple and of great impact.
Greater energy efficiency. The sunflower city can increase its efficiency in collecting photovoltaic energy from the sun by up to 12%, an exceptional result that translates into significant energy savings and less dependence on fossil fuels.
Pollution reduction. The use of clean solar energy helps to drastically reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a healthier and more livable environment for everyone.
Better quality of life. A greener and more sustainable city offers a better quality of life to its inhabitants, with green spaces, clean air and a lower risk of pollution-related diseases.
Valorisation of the territory. The "sunflower city" is configured as a model of integrated urban development that enhances the territory, promoting social cohesion and sustainable economic growth.
A concentrate of high tech
In addition to the sunflower-inspired biomimetic design, the “new city” planned by incorporates several innovative technologies to maximize energy efficiency and sustainability. Which?
Intelligent photovoltaic systems. The roofs and facades of the buildings are integrated with latest generation photovoltaic panels, capable of converting sunlight into electricity with high efficiency.
Intelligent distribution networks. The energy produced by photovoltaic panels is distributed intelligently through intelligent networks, optimizing use and minimizing waste.
Highly energy efficient buildings. The buildings of the "sunflower city" are designed to be highly energy efficient, with advanced thermal insulation systems and technologies for intelligent consumption management.
Between saying and doing
The “Sunflower City” represents a significant step forward towards a more sustainable future. It is an urban planning model that allows us to make the most of natural resources, to live in harmony with the environment and to build cities that are more resilient and suited to the challenges of the future.
And it would actually work. The study conducted by researchers at Sharjah University, published in the journal Renewable Energy Focus (I link it here), tested the effectiveness of the “sunflower city” model in several cities around the world, with promising results. An example? In Warsaw, a city with relatively low solar radiation, the “sunflower city” could increase the production of photovoltaic energy from rooftops up to 33%.
Obviously theory has its difficulties in becoming practice. The first of all? Building a city from scratch requires a significant initial investment (buzz Sheikh). Not to mention that it would be necessary to adjust everything, from the means of production to the regulations. Yet, the “sunflower city” remains a revolutionary idea with the potential to change the way we think about our cities and our relationship with energy.
Sources. Ammar Alkhalidi et al, Sunflower inspired urban city pattern to improve solar energy utilization in low solar radiation countries. DOI: 10.1016/j.ref.2023.100527
