Bilgin Architects was responsible for the design of the new control center for one of the largest solar parks in all of Europe, located on the Karapinar Plains in Turkey. Here, a 20-square-kilometer area — which has become unsuitable for agriculture but has significant energy potential due to the desert climate — was designated as an energy specialization area. One of the main functions of the architecture is to provide a technological infrastructure to control the plant of 3.2 million solar panels, but in parallel it was also designed as a visual interface, representative of sustainable energy technologies.
The adaptive building controlling one of Europe’s largest solar farms
Istanbul-based Bilgin Architects has completed the new solar park control centre in Karapinar, Turkey, which features a façade design that interacts with changing light and weather conditions.
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
Foto Egemen Karakaya
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- Romina Totaro
- 07 March 2024
According to Bilgin Architects, the Central Control Building was in fact designed as a study in contrasts, with its gleaming metal facade intended to juxtapose the textures of the surrounding arid environment. In addition to ensuring meticulous use of energy, the facade design consists of two layers and is designed to minimize radiation falling on the main facade. The secondary facade, on the other hand, prevents high heat exposure for most of the year, and consists of 7,200 stainless steel panels with four different levels of transparency.
The courtyard was designed as a refuge from the harsh climate, providing quiet areas for relaxation. It has been planted with endemic plants and trees that require minimal watering and maintenance. The trees are arranged to shade the interior from direct sunlight in summer. However, in winter, when they lose their leaves, sunlight can still penetrate the building and contribute to its warmth.