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“Solar Loop,” designed by Paolo Venturella & MenoMenoPiu Architects ^[5], is a sculptural solar array that doubles as a performance venue for Staten Island’s Freshkills Park. The aim of Solar Loop is to create a venue with a photovoltaic roof that exposes as much of its surface area as possible to the southern solar rays. The shape of the pavilion is drawn directly from solar diagrams, enabling it to harness power from the sun at any angle, almost like a static artificial sunflower. The structure could double as a shelter or even an arena for larger indoor concerts and events.

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Solar Loop is composed of two different surfaces that twist one into the other. The first one is the photovoltaic surface ^[8], which is always exposed to the sun at a playful performative angle, while the second is a mirrored surface that reflects its surroundings. The Freshkills’ East area of the park receives the most consistent sunlight all year round, and is easily accessed while providing dramatic views of the Manhattan skyline.

+ Paolo Venturella ^[5]

+ MMPAA ^[9]

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