Along a pedestrian and bicycle path in Austin, Texas, you’ll find a field of giant sunflowers. Solar sunflowers, to be precise. And this public art is generating more than attention – its creating renewable energy!
Solar Sunflowers in Austin, Texas (images by David Newsom)
The 15 towering solar sunflowers located near the LEED-certified Mueller Development include solar panel “petals.” During the day, the petals provide shade for pedestrians and cyclists along the path, while soaking up sunshine with the solar photovoltaic panels. The energy is then used to power LED lights which illuminate the path after dark. Excess solar electricity from the public art is fed back into the grid.
Solar sunflowers illuminate at night using stored solar electricity-powered LED lights
This public art is a shining example of form meeting function. Design team Harries/Heder created the solar sunflowers to be an icon for the LEED-certified development as well as a visible reminder for people traveling along I-35 of the green, energy conscious city that Austin, Texas has become.
Not only do the solar sunflowers help the environment by generating clean renewable energy and providing shade along the pathway, but their striking form distracts onlookers from the loading docks behind the Mueller Development stores. Simply, the match of form meeting function with this public art project is one that should be emulated by other artists across the country!
Sunflowers, An Electric Garden is the City of Austin’s largest public art installation.
Tags: austin texas, giant sunflowers, harries heder, led lights, mueller development, public art, solar electricity, solar public art, solar sunflowers, sunflowers electric garden
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