Project Description

SOLNODE began with a simple question: what if a small patch of shade in the city could do more than just protect people from the sun? Designed within a strict 10 m³ volume and developed under Lens 3: Future Resilience, the project rethinks the everyday roadside shade as an active urban node.

The triangulated roof filters harsh sunlight into softer, patterned shade while also generating solar energy. Instead of adding technology as an afterthought, the canopy itself becomes the source of power. The roof and central pillar are permanently installed to give the structure stability, while everything beneath remains adaptable.

Under the canopy, interchangeable modules respond to different community needs. These may include a small algae photobioreactor that helps clean the air, a vending unit for water and drinks, a smart tool rental box, charging ports integrated into a standing bench, a bicycle support module, and a digital display that connects to a simple app. The energy produced by the roof is stored in a battery core and distributed to these modules.

The experience here is very meaningful. Someone walking or cycling can step into the shade and can use the utility items. Like someone in a highway can rent tools from the toolbox and repair their vehicle. Again, someone in an urban road can enter the shade and wait for their bus and charge their phone, and at the same time, they can also buy something from the vending machine. And the microalgae bioreactor is constantly purifying the air around it. Again, it can be used as a cycle stand near any school or high school area, so that students can bring their cycles and park it there safely. it can also function as a cycle stand where cycles are rented on an hourly basis, and people can rent those cycles. It's not a destination but a point of pause.