SOLAR MACHINES
29 October 2026
SUPSI Campus Mendrisio
In joint collaboration with
European & Swiss Solar Awards 2026
Participation is free upon registration
Solar Machines explores a new generation of architecture in which photovoltaics are no longer perceived as technical components to be integrated, but as active materials shaping the identity, performance and quality of buildings.
At a time when architects and designers are increasingly called to respond to climate, energy and material challenges, solar architecture offers new opportunities for innovation, distinction and design quality. The event will provide professionals with concrete references, project insights and strategic perspectives that can inform everyday architectural practice.
A central moment of the event will be the presentation of the book The Solar Machines, prepared by SUPSI in cooperation with Sunsoak, and developed through a dialogue with leading architectural offices and engineering practices, including Foster + Partners, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Shigeru Ban Architects + Jean de Gastines Architectes, OBR – Open Building Research, ZJA Architects & Engineers, and Sunsoak Design + Ney & Partners.
More info
The book presentation will be accompanied by a dedicated exhibition, conceived as a spatial and visual experience connected to the conference.
The event brings together architects, engineers, institutions, industry and research actors to discuss how Building-Integrated Photovoltaics can become part of architectural design culture, from local Swiss and Ticino-based experiences to international visions by leading practices.
Through conferences, case studies, exhibition moments and dedicated networking, Solar Machines offers a unique opportunity to meet key players in person, exchange ambitions and create the basis for new collaborations and future projects.
The event is organised in connection with the European & Swiss Solar Awards 2026, which will take place the following day at LAC Lugano, celebrating outstanding projects and initiatives in solar architecture and renewable energy integration.
Why Attend
Solar Machines is designed for architects, designers, engineers, public and private clients, companies and professionals interested in the future of architecture and energy.
Participants will gain a new perspective on how photovoltaics can become a design resource for contemporary architecture, supporting both technical performance and architectural quality.
The conference combines local relevance and international vision, addressing both the practical challenges of implementation and the broader cultural transformation of solar architecture.
The event will offer the opportunity to
THE TWO-DAY PROGRAMME
13.45 - 14.30 | SUPSI Campus Tour - Optional
Guided visit of the SUPSI campus and BIPV facilities.
14.30 - 15.00 | Arrival & Registration
Welcome and registration, with the opportunity to preview The Solar Machines exhibition and book display.
15.00 - 15.30 | Institutional Welcome & Event Framing
Introduction to the vision behind The Solar Machines, the role of BIPV in the energy transition, and an institutional perspective on the future of solar architecture in Switzerland.
Welcome – Prof. Dr. Francesco Frontini, Director ISAAC – SUPSI
Institutional welcome – Member of the Swiss Parliament
Towards a Solar Culture of Design – Dr. Pierluigi Bonomo, Head of BIPV Research, ISAAC – SUPSI
15.30 - 16.15 | Swiss Perspectives: From Vision to Built (Solar) Reality
A real-world pilot project in Locarno, bringing together the key actors behind the project and demonstrating how collaboration between client, architect, engineering and solar-design expertise can turn BIPV from a technical requirement into an architectural opportunity.
With:Luigi Conforto – City of LocarnoEloisa Vacchini – Vacchini ArchitettiJurij Patocchi – Patocchi EngineeringPaolo Corti – Sun Appeal
Co-moderated by Andrea Roscetti, Espazium and Isa Zanetti, SUPSI
16.15 - 16.45 | The Solar Machines - Book & Exhibition
A dialogue between Pierluigi Bonomo, SUPSI BIPV Team, and Jean-Didier Steenackers, Sunsoak Architecture Studio, exploring new design paradigms and the evolving relationship between architecture, technology and photovoltaics.
Presentation of the book and exhibition featuring contributions from RPBW, Shigeru Ban + Jean de Gastines, OBR, ZJA, Foster + Partners, and Sunsoak Design + Ney & Partners.
Moderated by Greta Battaglia, SUPSI.
16.45 - 17.30 | International Keynote - Architecture and Energy Transition Foster + Partners
An international perspective on how architecture can respond to the energy transition through design quality, environmental performance and innovation, drawing on the unique global practice and experience of Foster + Partners.
17.30 - 17.45 | Curated Q&A
Discussion on challenges, design strategies and the future of solar architecture.
From 17.45 | Closing & Networking Apéro, Exhibition Visit & Meet the Industry
Networking, exhibition visit and informal exchange with architects, designers, companies, institutions, researchers and building owners.
European & Swiss Solar Awards
The Solar Machines Conference is organised in connection with the European & Swiss Solar Awards 2026, which will take place the following day at LAC Lugano.
The Awards Ceremony will celebrate outstanding Swiss and European projects in which photovoltaics contribute to architectural identity, innovation and renewable energy integration.
Optional:
Visit to the Franklin University campus and its large-scale dynamic BIPV façade system.
Swiss Solar Prize 2026
THE SOLAR MACHINES
The Solar Machines is a research, editorial and exhibition project developed by SUPSI, exploring how solar energy and photovoltaics are becoming part of architectural culture, materials and design.
The project brings together works and perspectives from leading practices including Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Foster + Partners, Shigeru Ban Architects, Sunsoak, OBR, Thomas Herzog, ZJA and others.
The exhibition will combine projects, materials and historic documents, together with a series of original docufilms and video conversations.
The event will bring together leading architects, engineers, researchers and industry professionals, with presentations, discussions and a keynote by Foster + Partners.
Printed copies of The Solar Machines will also be presented during the event.
Industry Agora
A curated space for dialogue between companies, architects, designers, researchers and participants working across solar architecture, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics, façade systems, materials and emerging technologies.
Conceived as an agora rather than a conventional exhibition area, the space will bring together selected materials, prototypes, samples and solutions as starting points for informal exchange, discussion and new connections.
Its ambition is not only to showcase innovation, but to create the conditions for new project ideas, collaborations and opportunities to emerge — connecting technological expertise with architectural challenges, research questions and real-world applications.
Throughout the event, participants will have the opportunity to meet industry partners directly, explore current developments and initiate conversations that may continue beyond The Solar Machines.
Partners
Sponsors
How to reach us
By train
Mendrisio Station stop. The station underpass leads directly to the Campus.
By bus
Mendrisio Station stop. The station underpass leads directly to the Campus.
By car
A2 Highway, Mendrisio exit; follow the road signs for SUPSI. Paid parking is available in the Campus multi-storey car park.
By bicycle
In Mendrisio, there are several bike-sharing stations managed by PubliBike. Dedicated bike parking sheds are available at the Campus.
