SolarPunk is a design exploration into how increasingly accessible solar energy might shape and integrate into our everyday lives in the near future. Embracing a hopeful vision of sustainability, the movement challenges traditional perceptions of renewable energy by imagining creative, aesthetic, and functional uses of solar power.
This collection of work was created by first-year Master’s students in Product Design at ECAL, under the guidance of designer Philippe Malouin. Developed specifically for the Soleil·s exhibition at the MUDAC design museum in Lausanne, the projects reflect bold experimentation and speculative thinking. Rather than focusing solely on efficiency or utility, the students explored poetic, playful, and sometimes unconventional applications of solar energy, highlighting the emotional and experiential potential of this technology.
Among the featured works are two standout projects which have been developed and feature in the exhibition: ‘Solar Shade' by Carl Johan Jacobsen, a wearable hat that powers a cooling vest using flexible solar panels, and ‘Butterfly Sunglasses’ by Takumi Ise, simple lightweight eyewear that combines colour, movement, and solar functionality.
Solar Shade by Carl Johan Jacobsen, photo by Jasmine Deporta
By 2050, Paris could reach 50°C. Solar Shade is a wearable hat with flexible solar panels, inspired by traditional headwear like the conical and milkmaid hats. It powers a cooling vest with two fans, designed for those working in hot conditions, such as gardeners.
Solar Shade by Carl Johan Jacobsen, photo by Jasmine Deporta
By 2050, Paris could reach 50°C. Solar Shade is a wearable hat with flexible solar panels, inspired by traditional headwear like the conical and milkmaid hats. It powers a cooling vest with two fans, designed for those working in hot conditions, such as gardeners.
Solar Shade by Carl Johan Jacobsen, photo by Jasmine Deporta
By 2050, Paris could reach 50°C. Solar Shade is a wearable hat with flexible solar panels, inspired by traditional headwear like the conical and milkmaid hats. It powers a cooling vest with two fans, designed for those working in hot conditions, such as gardeners.
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Butterfly Sunglasses by Takumi Ise. Photo by Charlotte Krieger.
Butterfly Glasses are lightweight, versatile sunglasses that rest gently on the face, adding a dynamic touch of colour. Made from spring steel and a clip-on film sheet, they adapt to the wearer and offer interchangeable colour and UV filter options.
Butterfly Sunglasses by Takumi Ise. Photo by Jasmine Deporta.
Butterfly Glasses are lightweight, versatile sunglasses that rest gently on the face, adding a dynamic touch of colour. Made from spring steel and a clip-on film sheet, they adapt to the wearer and offer interchangeable colour and UV filter options.
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Solar Chime by Natsumi Komoto. Photo by Jasmine Deporta.
Solar Chime is a sound installation powered by sunlight, producing tones when rotating chimes randomly intersect. Inspired by the suikinkutsu, its soundscape shifts with the intensity of sunlight, creating a dynamic, ever-changing experience.
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Cartel by Brice Tempier. Photo by Jasmine Deporta
Cartel is a solar-powered signage solution that uses low-energy e-ink technology to display and update information via Bluetooth. Its 7.5-inch black-and-white screen is suited for both static and dynamic content.
Cartel by Brice Tempier. Photo by Jasmine Deporta
Cartel is a solar-powered signage solution that uses low-energy e-ink technology to display and update information via Bluetooth. Its 7.5-inch black-and-white screen is suited for both static and dynamic content.
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Solar Fountain by Yeonsu Na. Photo by Jasmine Deporta
Solar Fountain explores creating city infrastructure powered by sustainable, autonomous energy. By being installed in a lake, it draws its water directly from the source and operates entirely on solar power, eliminating the need for external energy and water supplies.
Solar Fountain by Yeonsu Na. Photo by Jasmine Deporta
Solar Fountain explores creating city infrastructure powered by sustainable, autonomous energy. By being installed in a lake, it draws its water directly from the source and operates entirely on solar power, eliminating the need for external energy and water supplies.
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This Clock Sucks by Min Xiyao. Photo by Jasmine Deporta
The Clock Sucks is a small solar-powered clock that attaches to windows, exploring how glass can serve as a medium for energy-harvesting devices. It's silicone construction suctions onto glass surfaces.
This Clock Sucks by Min Xiyao. Photo by Jasmine Deporta
The Clock Sucks is a small solar-powered clock that attaches to windows, exploring how glass can serve as a medium for energy-harvesting devices. It's silicone construction suctions onto glass surfaces.
