SOL(AR)CHITECTURE – voices: Exploring How Solar Energy Is Reshaping Architecture

The INPERSO Project successfully delivered SOL(AR)CHITECTURE – voices, a three-part live webinar series developed and organised by project partner SUPSI – University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland. The series explored how photovoltaics are reshaping architecture, offering fresh perspectives on the integration of solar energy into the built environment.

Designed as a fast, dynamic and highly interactive format, SOL(AR)CHITECTURE – voices went beyond the traditional webinar model. Each episode transformed real-world experience into forward-looking insights, bringing together leading voices from research, design and industry to challenge conventional thinking around solar-integrated architecture.

A New Format for Dialogue and Vision

Each webinar combined thought-provoking keynote talks with open dialogue, centred around the concept of “Impossible Questions”. These questions, collected live from participants and moderated during the sessions, encouraged speakers to address what truly matters for the future of solar architecture—not focusing on limitations, but on solutions, opportunities and long-term visions.

The series was free and open to students, architects, professionals, developers and researchers. Participants who attended all three episodes received a Certificate of Participation, further strengthening the educational value of the initiative.

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – “Innovation First: 40 Years of Photovoltaics as a Building Material” (23 October)
The opening episode traced the evolution of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) from the early experiments of the 1980s to today’s advanced applications. Drawing on lessons learned from both breakthroughs and failures, the session offered an innovation roadmap to help anticipate future opportunities in solar-integrated design.

Episode 2 – “Beauty & the Building” (12 November)
The second episode focused on the relationship between aesthetics, identity and function in solar architecture. Experts from research, design and industry addressed key “Impossible Questions” on how photovoltaics can enhance architectural quality, demonstrating that beauty and performance can coexist in the new era of solar buildings.

Episode 3 – “Material Revolution” (3 December)
The final episode explored the new generation of solar materials that are redefining the built environment. The discussion highlighted transparent solar cells, flexible modules, and customised, coloured PV products emerging directly from industrial practice—illustrating how material innovation is expanding the design possibilities of photovoltaic integration.

Looking Forward

Through SOL(AR)CHITECTURE – voices, INPERSO created a space for exchange, inspiration and critical reflection on the future of solar architecture. The webinar series reinforced the project’s commitment to supporting innovation, sustainability and architectural quality, while fostering dialogue between academia, industry and practitioners.

By sharing authentic perspectives and practical roadmaps, SOL(AR)CHITECTURE – voices contributed to shaping a more integrated, resilient and solar-driven built environment across Europe.