Home Academic projects POWER TOWER: Celebrating Renewable and Sustainable Energy Production | Architecture Thesis
Excerpt: Power Tower is an architecture thesis by Rebecca Francesca Palmieri from the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio USI that showcases an innovative approach to sustainable urban infrastructure, seamlessly integrating renewable energy production with architecture. By utilizing kinetic, geothermal, and solar power, it meets the Wolf neighborhoods energy needs while serving as a symbolic landmark. The project proves that energy systems can be both functional and visually inspiring, setting a new standard for sustainable design .
Introduction: Energy system architecture is undergoing a renaissance. With increasing capabilities to generate, consume, and store clean, sustainable energydriven by climate consciousnessarchitects are developing innovative designs that integrate and highlight these technologies within the built environment. The Power Tower, located in an urban park, exemplifies this shift by utilizing kinetic, geothermal, and solar energy to meet the energy needs of the Wolf neighborhood. Its underground geothermal plant is complemented by a towering chimney that rises above surrounding buildings, acting as a symbolic landmark. Encased in a wooden framework stabilized from within, the structure is protected by solar panel cladding, shielding it from wind and water damage. At the heart of the project lies a public educational space where visitors can explore energy production. Beyond providing sustainable energy, the Power Tower fosters community engagement and awareness, paving the way for a greener future.
The Academy of Architectures diploma project explores the concept of superordinate roads and their influence on urban planning. Each atelier will create a master plan for a master street in Basel, selecting specific sites and defining building programs. Altogether, 15 urban visions and nearly 150 individual projects will emerge, showcasing a new generations architectural ambitions for a dynamic city.
The Academy of Architectures diploma project explores the concept of superordinate roads and their influence on urban planning. Each atelier will create a master plan for a master street in Basel, selecting specific sites and defining building programs. Altogether, 15 urban visions and nearly 150 individual projects will emerge, showcasing a new generations architectural ambitions for a dynamic city.
Images shot at the point 473240.5N 73611.5E of the project. Shot by Rebecca Palmieri, February 2024 Images shot at the point 473240.5N 73611.5E of the project. Shot by Rebecca Palmieri, February 2024One key site is WOLF BASEL, a 16.7-hectare freight station east of Basel SBB. Currently serving railway logistics, the site holds significant redevelopment potential, particularly if international freight traffic is relocated. This shift could open large areas in the west and south for new residential, commercial, and public spaces, while the northeastern section would continue as a container terminal.
Images shot at the point 473240.5N 73611.5E of the project. Shot by Rebecca Palmieri, February 2024 Images shot at the point 473240.5N 73611.5E of the project. Shot by Rebecca Palmieri, February 2024Surrounded by train tracks, electric cables, and technical structures, the site presents a fragmented and chaotic landscape. However, it also offers a rare opportunity for urban renewal. In collaboration with the canton of Basel-Stadt, SBB is leading a planning process to explore redevelopment possibilities, aiming to balance infrastructure, community needs, and sustainability.
First Intuition: How can we recover energy from a moving train, convert it on-site, and distribute it to the new community in the Masterplan? First intuition model, made during the workshop in Bolzano, February 2024 in red, the energy harvested from the train tracks, and recovered in a volume. This initial idea of energy production led to the power plant project.Ultimately, transforming WOLF BASEL could reshape Basels urban fabric, improving connectivity and introducing new amenities to support the citys future growth.
First, by understanding the existing power plan