
iart / Novartis
Integration: point-mounted media façade with both lighting and energy production functions
Photovoltaic surface area: 1,300 m²
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Project duration: 1 year
The project
100% autonomous media facade thanks to aesthetic and integrated solar solutions
When designing the Novartis Pavillon, the architectural firm AMDL Circle, in collaboration with the studio for media architectures iart, imagines a media facade to magnify the building with a clear objective: to develop a 100% energy autonomous concept, powered by the sun.
For this project, ASCA conceived and produced more than 10,000 diamond and triangle shaped modules integrated into polycarbonate that follow the curves of the building and integrate perfectly with the structure. The solar mesh powers more than 30,000 LEDs that broadcast content created by artists inspired by science and innovation. Lightweight and flexible, the ASCA® modules are bent by a cold bending process at the time of installation.
The electrical connection points are designed to be as inconspicuous as possible and are integrated into special systems at the corners of the modules. ASCA® modules are extremely light-sensitive and produce energy from light coming from all directions, even in low light conditions. This maximizes production over a full day, from sunrise to sunset. The ASCA® solutions are directly connected to the LEDs through bi-directional inverters specifically developed for the project which allow to use the same electrical network to feed the LEDs form the modules and also to inject the surplus electricity into the building's grid.
Transparency and light

Testimonial
“ASCA’s solar solutions offer a great design potential for architectural projects: they are transparent, can take on many different shapes and can be curved. They allowed us to create a unique zero-energy media façade for the Novartis Pavillon.”
Key information
Project steps
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Project startNovember 2020
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Design and planning4 months
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Installation4 months
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Finalization of the facadeNovember 2021
Implementation
Mission | Stakeholder |
---|---|
Architectural design of the building | AMDL CIRCLE |
Local architect and construction supervision | Blaser Architekten |
Energy self-sufficient media facade concept | AMDL CIRCLE |
Design of the façade | iart |
Overall design of the solar modules | iart, ASCA |
Development of the technical system of the modules | ASCA |
Design of the electrical system | iart, ASCA |
Production of the modules | ASCA |
Installation | iart |
Project team

Project management

Production

Design & Integration
Project
Solution: 10,680 modules in 10 different shapes integrated in polycarbonate
Solar surface: 1,300 m²
Customer / User
iart / Novartis