Aire Commune's Solar-Powered Espace Solaire Opens in Montreal's Olympic Park
Espace Solaire, an innovative outdoor installation created by Montreal's Aire Commune, has officially opened in Olympic Park, marking the first public area in Quebec to be entirely powered by solar energy. In collaboration with Sunbird Énergie, the project showcases a yellow steel canopy adorned with solar panels, along with modular seating and a central signboard providing Wi-Fi and power access. Inspired by sociologist Eric Klinenberg's idea of social infrastructure from his book Palaces for the People, which emphasizes the importance of public spaces in fostering community resilience, it also draws from William H. Whyte's research on effective public seating. Espace Solaire is designed to benefit individuals working or studying outside traditional office environments, thereby enriching Montreal's public realm.
Key facts
- Espace Solaire is a permanent installation by Aire Commune in Montreal's Olympic Park.
- It is Quebec's first outdoor public space powered entirely by solar energy.
- The solar system was developed with Sunbird Énergie and includes generation, battery storage, and management software.
- The design features a yellow steel canopy with solar panels acting as a shaded roof.
- Seating modules include a table with benches and a square-shaped bench, made of concrete bases and wooden slats.
- A central signboard provides information and instructions for Wi-Fi and power outlets.
- The project references Eric Klinenberg's book Palaces for the People and the concept of social infrastructure.
- Klinenberg's research on the 1995 Chicago heatwave found Englewood had 11 times the deaths of Auburn Gresham.
- The design follows principles from William H. Whyte's The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces.
- The installation aims to provide free access to power and connectivity in a public space.
Entities
Artists
- Anna Lazzaron
- Eric Klinenberg
- William H. Whyte
Institutions
- Aire Commune
- Sunbird Énergie
- Olympic Park
- DesignWanted
Locations
- Montreal
- Canada
- Quebec
- Chicago
- United States
- Englewood
- Auburn Gresham
- New York
- Milan
- Italy
- Barcelona
- Spain