2024 - Solar Bloom

The SOLar Bloom project is an innovative installation located in Madrid’s famous Puerta del Sol. The main objective is to transform the flat urban space into a place where the millions of tourists and inhabitants who visit it every year can experience a feeling of well-being and integration with a natural world right in the city centre.

Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s most famous and symbolic squares and one of the city’s main landmarks. Located in the heart of the historical centre, Puerta del Sol is a lively crossroads of streets, history and culture. It owes its name to the city gate that stood there in medieval times and was decorated with a rising sun, symbolising dawn. Over the centuries, the square has become the nerve centre of public life in Madrid, hosting important historical events, celebrations and demonstrations.

The inspiration for SOLar Bloom comes from the world of nature, the main focus of the project, and in particular from the dynamic behaviour of certain species of flowers that change orientation and shape as the sun or light conditions change.
In fact, the project aims to replicate this dynamism in order to create a comfortable and shady environment, as well as provide rest and play points to engage users and increase their immersive experience.

Another integrated source of inspiration is the theme of origami, a technique used in the creation of the shape of the shading system to allow for fluid dynamism and maximum variation in the shape of the system, either by closing up and letting the light pass through or by opening up and blocking the flow of light depending on the various light conditions.
The tubular structures, mainly inspired by the urban structures of Enrique Miralles, thus serve as benches, as recreational structures, and finally as supports for dynamic sunscreens. The ergonomically designed benches provide an area for resting and socialising, while the petal-like shading structures move and adapt to the position of the sun.

At the heart of the project is the dynamic shading system, designed to provide optimal shade throughout the day, reducing the heat absorbed by the entire square in the summer and increasing the well-being of the people who walk through and visit it.
Using light sensors and advanced actuation technology, the structures expand and contract following an origami-inspired design to protect users from the sun’s rays, creating ideal climatic comfort.

SOLar Bloom provides a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to interact with their surroundings in a new and engaging way. The benches and shade structures not only enhance the aesthetics of the square, but also promote social interaction, transforming the square into a lively hub of activity.

This project brings numerous benefits to the community. From an environmental perspective, SOLar Bloom helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The shading structures reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the square, lowering temperatures and improving the urban microclimate. This leads to a cooler and more pleasant environment, especially during hot summer days: this well-being of users is the main purpose of the structure, which therefore offers this concept of sustainability to the square. Indeed, the availability of shade and cool areas allows people to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the public space without the discomfort of excessive heat.

The design of SOLar Bloom has been carefully planned to respect the historical architecture and cultural context of the Plaza del Sol: modern structures integrate harmoniously with their surroundings, enriching the aesthetic heritage without compromising it. As a result, SOLar Bloom transforms Puerta del Sol into a visual focal point, with structures that create plays of light and shadow during the day and striking illumination at night. This aesthetic impact makes the square an even more attractive place for residents and tourists.
Moreover, the use of recyclable materials and innovative technologies to control the light and movement of the structures makes SOLar Bloom an example of sustainable, cutting-edge design. The project not only beautifies the square, but also represents a step towards a more ecological urbanism in which people’s well-being is once again the main objective.

In conclusion, SOLar Bloom represents an important innovation for Madrid, offering a vision of the future of urban squares. With possibilities for expansion and replication in other areas, this project invites everyone to participate and enjoy the new, dynamic Puerta del Sol.