coffice proposes to transform existing viaducts into electricity generators

coffice proposes to transform existing viaducts into electricity generators
all images courtesy of coffice

coffice is a multi-disciplinary practice of architecture and urban planning that combines eco-friendly research, innovation and experimentation with architectural and urban theory. the interest in the relationship between human beings and public and private spaces has led them to participate in the solar park south online competition where they obtained the second prize with a project called ‘solar wind’ that proposes to blend viaducts with wind turbines and solar panels to turn them into electricity generators. the contest requests participants to provide economically, energetically and culturally sustainable projects and innovative ideas for the reuse of an imposing 10-km highway stretch in calabria, italy.

to project proposes to blend viaducts with wind turbines and solar panels 

the hybrid system proposes to combine solar and wind power generators, allowing for a continuous production of energy. the product is based on the idea of utilizing the space between the pillars of the existing viaducts to house a system of wind-powered turbines which will be integrated into the structure. this ensures the use of contained land and therefore, a reduced impact on both landscape and environment in addition to re-designing the visual profile of the viaduct. 

the video shows the turbines in movement
video © francesco colarossi

on the other hand, the solar park proposed will stretch the full length of the inner carriageway, while the outer one will remain reserved for the transit of vehicles. the asphalt will be substituted with a technological road surface already used in the USA called solar roadways. the road surface collects energy as a part of a power-generating system composed of a dense grid of solar cells coated with a transparent and highly resistant form of plastic. 

the project re-designs the visual profile of the viaduct

wind bridge schema showing the three main components

these were the panels presented at the competition

model

technical model

technical drawings

technical drawings

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.