coffice is a multi-disciplinary practice of architecture and urban planning that combines eco-friendly research, innovation and experimentation with architectural and urban theory. the interest in the relationship between human beings and public and private spaces has led them to participate in the solar park south online competition where they obtained the second prize with a project called ‘solar wind’ that proposes to blend viaducts with wind turbines and solar panels to turn them into electricity generators. the contest requests participants to provide economically, energetically and culturally sustainable projects and innovative ideas for the reuse of an imposing 10-km highway stretch in calabria, italy.
the hybrid system proposes to combine solar and wind power generators, allowing for a continuous production of energy. the product is based on the idea of utilizing the space between the pillars of the existing viaducts to house a system of wind-powered turbines which will be integrated into the structure. this ensures the use of contained land and therefore, a reduced impact on both landscape and environment in addition to re-designing the visual profile of the viaduct.