Solar Skywalks: Aesthetic and Sustainable Urban Transformation

Peter Kuczia's Energetic Activation of Footbridges in Metropolises

The inspiration for Solar Skywalks came from the numerous pedestrian bridges that traverse busy traffic arteries in the world's metropolises. These bridges often downgrade the overall urban impression due to their unattractive appearance. Kuczia's idea was to clad these bridges with aesthetic, power-generating photovoltaic modules, transforming them into attractive city spots. This not only promotes sustainability but also creates a sculptural diversity that becomes an eye-catcher in the cityscape.

The unique properties of this sustainable concept make it applicable to both existing and new structures in any site. Using a single rectangular shape of PV panel, Kuczia has created over 80 specific designs for different urban areas. The electricity harvested from the sun can be used on-site for lighting, elevators, or escalators. Moreover, e-car and e-bike charging stations under the footbridges utilize the locally generated solar energy directly on-site.

The realization of this design is made possible through the use of thin-film CIGS photovoltaic modules, which produce electricity even under the most unfavorable weather and site conditions. These modules are lightweight and very resilient. Retrievable, prefabricated mounting systems make the assembly process aesthetic and easy.

A medium-sized footbridge with a medium density of panels can generate about 18,000 KWh of electricity per year. Given the carbon-intensive electricity mix in China, this could save 0.7 kg CO2 per KWh of PV electricity, amounting to a total of 12,600 kg CO2. If the generated electricity is used to operate charging stations for electric scooters, it would be sufficient for a total distance of 1,800,000 km!

The eye-catching structures of Solar Skywalks serve not only as sources of renewable energy but also as platforms for informal education about sustainability. Display measures implemented on the structures provide passers-by with information about various aspects of the use of solar energy, leading to a better understanding and acceptance of solar solutions.

The Solar Skywalks project, developed in Germany since 2018, has already seen two mockups built in Shanghai and Munich. These demonstrate the feasibility of the system, which enables the construction of effective and reliable structures even for different climate zones. The project was awarded Platinum in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2020, recognizing its world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative design that contributes to societal wellbeing.