A 3D Printed Pavilion Illuminates The Sun Path

The latest experimental project from Kent, Ohio-based interdisciplinary studio DesignLabWorkshop is a 3D-printed pavilion that incorporates smart technologies, like light sensors and photovoltaics, to track and record the sun's exposure throughout the day. Called the Solar Bytes Pavilion, the structure comprises 94 modules, or "bytes," that each contain an integrated solar-powered LED, solar panel, and light sensor that work independently to store energy. Each module uses its stored solar energy to glow at night for different lengths of time based on how much solar exposure each cell received during the day, tracking the sun's daily travel from east to west by the half-hour. But inconsistent environmental conditions throughout the day result in a varied lighting pattern at night. For example, if the morning is clear and the afternoon is cloudy, the pavilion's east side wo...

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