The neighborhood of Mueller in Austin, Texas, recently unveiled its part in going green. This mixed-use village is home to a new retail development that includes a surprising twist. In a nod to technology mimicking nature, Harries/Heder completed the installation of 15 flower-like solar photovoltaic panels. These “sunflowers” line a pedestrian/bike path by the retail plot which connects the neighborhood to Austin’s I-35. As Austin’s largest public art installation, the sunflowers provide shade to users of the path while at the same time generating a steady stream of renewable energy.
In addition to providing shade for walkers and bikers, the solar flowers collect energy during the day to power the installation’s blue LED lights at night. Leftover power is sent to the grid to offset the cost of maintaining the installation. If only every city required industrial sites to be covered up with similar art projects!
Tags: art installation, austin, environment, harries/heder, solar panels, texas