Architecture and solar energy: Is there anything new?

Abstract

There is no doubt as to the evolution of the solar energy yield and the accelerated progress of techniques able to exploit this type of energy. The novelty lies in the transformation of solar radiation into electricity, which mankind cannot disregard anymore, but other ways to use such energy, light and heat, which are as old as the recorded in the architecture history and constructions. Even so, the assimilation of such possibilities in the constructing art still looks going on slowly. The question that guides this article seeks to ask if the adoption of this form of energy will bring changes in the form of buildings and urban design, transforming the landscape of the cities. A brief survey of the “state of the art” attempts to clarify these issues.