Marjan van Aubel Studio designs the colourful solar-panelled roof of the Netherlands pavilion during the Expo 2020 Dubai. The skylights are made out of lightweight organic transparent solar cells (OPV), that are circular and of non-toxic materials. By combining technology, aesthetics and sustainable materials, the studio has created the solar panels of the future. 

The skylights will immerse the visitor in a ray of light. Its vibrant patterns were specially designed for the pavilion. Light and colour reflect, refract and dance inside the pavilion. The Netherlands pavilion, also known as The Dutch Biotope designed by V8 Architects is a temporary circular climate system where energy, water and food solutions are connected. The unique solar panels by Marjan van Aubel and ARMOR ASCA® collect energy from Dubai’s sun rays to power the pavilion. At the same time they allow sunlight into the pavilion and filter the right spectrum of light which the edible plants on the food cone use for photosynthesis. 

Solar panels whilst collecting energy, can be beautiful and a form of art too. The graphic design is made with a coloured Moiré effect, the lines and patterns are interacting with each other which creates beautiful light reflections in the pavilion. The coloured OPV, a third-generation solar technology is printed on PET and is produced in a circular manner. They are lightweight, which makes them easily transportable. The panels will get a second life after Expo 2020 Dubai and are designed in such a way that it’s easily taken apart and can be reassembled. Instead of just seeing solar as a technology, this work shows solar with an emotional value using the power of design and to make solar energy accessible for everyone everywhere. 

The pavilion is designed by the consortium: V8 Architects, Kossmann.dejong, ExpoMobilia en Witteveen+Bos, in assignment of The Dutch Ministry of Foreign affairs.