Solaris Pavilion
A gathering structure that follows the sun, generating energy while shading the public space beneath it.
Project Philosophy
A public gathering place that generates its own energy, architecture that works with the sun, not against it.
Media
Modern architectural structure with clean geometric lines
Contemporary structure with dramatic light and shadow
Dramatic landscape with expansive sky and light
The Experience
What It Feels Like
Standing beneath the Solaris Pavilion, you become aware of time passing in a way buildings rarely allow. The canopy panels shift throughout the day, tracking the sun's arc, casting moving shadow patterns across the gathering space below. In the morning, the panels tilt to let warm light through for a farmers market. By midday, they flatten to maximum shade, and the space beneath feels cool and sheltered. As evening approaches, the panels angle to capture the last light, and the pavilion's integrated lighting slowly takes over, powered entirely by the energy harvested during the day. The building breathes with the sun.
This project is currently in Engineering stage. The experience above reflects the artist's vision for the completed work.
Origin
The Story Behind It
Yuki Tanaka grew up in a small town in Kyushu, Japan, where her grandparents' home had no air conditioning. Instead, it was designed to work with the sun and wind. When she moved to Phoenix, Arizona for architecture school, she was shocked by how American public spaces fought against climate rather than working with it. Solaris Pavilion is her answer: a public structure that doesn't just withstand the sun but collaborates with it. Yuki spent three years developing the solar-tracking canopy mechanism, iterating through dozens of prototypes in her garage workshop before the system achieved the elegance and reliability she demanded.
Ambition
What We're Working Toward
- Build a net-positive energy public pavilion generating more power than it consumes
- Develop a solar-tracking canopy system adaptable to different climates
- Create comfortable public gathering space in extreme heat environments
- Provide free renewable energy charging stations for community use
- Demonstrate that public infrastructure can be both energy-generating and beautiful
Progress
Where It Stands
Field Notes
Latest from the Studio
The People Behind It
Yuki Tanaka
Lead Creator
DNA
Domains
Pathways
Stage
EngineeringReach Out
Get in Touch
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Contact the Team