The prototypes, named 'OSMA. Ombra Solar Modular Adaptable' and 'Ombra Viva. Refugis actius amb energia solar per al benestar comunitari' (Active Shelters with Solar Energy for Community Well-being), will be tested for one year to analyze their energy performance, robustness, and adaptability.
This initiative responds to a challenge promoted by the Barcelona Local Energy Agency and the Barcelona Innova Foundation, seeking solutions that advance the energy transition and improve the thermal comfort of public spaces.
The OSMA proposal, by Benito Urban SLU and Eurecat, uses a modular hexagonal system that generates energy and provides shade, with foldable and reorientable modules to regulate solar radiation. It incorporates glass-glass photovoltaic panels and recycled materials.
Ombra Viva, developed by IAAC, Esitec Energia SL, and Equal Saree, is a multifunctional shelter with rotating solar panels, air filtration through photocatalytic fabrics, and a social component for co-creation with users.
The energy generated by the prototypes will be used for the self-consumption of campus buildings, as part of the UPC's CampusLab program, which transforms campuses into living laboratories for sustainability.
The winning proposals each received funding of up to 50,000 euros. Data obtained during the tests will be used to determine the scalability potential of these structures in other areas of Barcelona.
