LAND ART GENERATOR
November 4, 2019
RENEWABLE ENERGY CAN BE BEAUTIFUL
Dear Michael, Thank you for hosting us in Connellsville last week, for coordinating the workshop at the Canteen and Museum, and for showing us around in the afternoon. It was a real pleasure meeting everyone—the perfect group of stakeholders who can breath life into good ideas! We enjoyed learning about the history, present, and future of your beautiful city through the lens of creativity.
landartgenerator.org
We hope the pages below help to capture the spirit of the workshop and the ideas that blossomed there, and that this outline can be a first step towards many collaborations. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversation!
Elizabeth Monoian and Robert Ferry
It’s an exciting time for Connellsville, ripe with opportunities to lead Western Pennsylvania into a bold future, rich with culture and in harmony with nature—ensuring that good memories continue to be made in that beautiful place by many generations to come.
Land Art Generator Initiative | 6232 Corson Avenue S. Unit A, Seattle WA, 98108 | www.landartgenerator.org
LAGI CONNELLSVILLE powered by art.
On Monday, October 28, 2019 Fayette County Cultural Trust hosted the Land Art Generator for an ideas workshop at the Connellsville Canteen on West Crawford Avenue. There were two primary outcomes from the workshop: 1. a discussion of the potential of implementing a LAGI Solar Mural installation in the new playground design of the Highlands Hospital Center for Autism, and 2. looking ahead to how a multifaceted approach to energy and public art can benefit future projects in the region. Michael Edwards kicked off the event with a presentation on the history and future of public art in and around Connellsville, including works by artist Steve Fiscus, Chris Gayilus, Megan Triggs, Sheree Cockrell, Jody Best, Brandi Bee, Randi Stewart, Shirley Rosenberger, Jeremy Raymer, and Liz Jones, more than one of whom was present in the room. The LAGI Directors followed with a presentation on the work of the Land Art Generator Initiative, including a shortlist of design proposals from open-call international design competitions, and information about community-based project outcomes, such as the Pittsburgh Art+Energy Camp and the LAGI Solar Mural program.
FAYETTE COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
The robust discussion that followed is outlined in this summary document, which may form the basis for the development of a project roadmap to implementation.
ABOUT THE LAND ART GENERATOR INITIATIVE
Confronting the challenge of global climate change requires the communication of a positive vision of a sustainable future that can inspire people everywhere to support the energy transition.
The Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) works with communities around the world to design public art installations that cleanly generate renewable energy, water, and provide other human support systems at a variety of scales.
Educational programming and community collaboration are fundamental to all LAGI projects, beginning with early concept generation and continuing on site after each project is installed.
As the world works together to meet the targets of the Paris Climate Accord, vast new sustainable energy and other infrastructures will fast become a ubiquitous part of our landscape and culture. LAGI is working to provide exceptional solutions for cherished places that can inspire people about the beauty of our post-carbon future and that can innovate the integration of zero-carbon energy and water systems into the design of our cities. Presenting the power plant as public artwork—simultaneously enhancing the environment, increasing livability, providing a venue for STEAM learning, and stimulating local economic development—is a way to address a variety of social and environmental issues. By nature of their functional utility, LAGI civic artworks cross disciplines from architecture and urban design to mechanical engineering and environmental science. This interdisciplinary result has the effect of both enhancing the level of innovation and broadening the audience for the work.
Open design competitions for Dubai/Abu Dhabi (2010), New York City (2012), Copenhagen (2014), Santa Monica (2016), Melbourne (2018), Abu Dhabi (2019) have brought in over 1000 designs from 80+ countries. Participatory design projects include: Solar Mural artworks, developing culturally relevant energy solutions with Maasai women in Olorgesailie Kenya, working with West Virginia coal miners, Art+Energy camps, and more. LAGI is working closely with cities such as Glasgow to integrate renewable energy infrastructure into creative placemaking projects and mixed-use developments. Partnerships and supporters include Masdar Abu Dhabi, City of New York, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, City of Copenhagen, European Union Commission on Climate Action, City of Santa Monica, J.M. Kaplan Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, Capital Region of Denmark, Danish Design Centre, US Green Building Council, the City of Glasgow, the State of Victoria (Australia), Carbon Arts, Creative Carbon Scotland, Climarte, Burning Man Project, Arizona State University (GIOS), and many others. www.landartgenerator.org
IDEAS During the group discussion there was a strong consensus in favor of an initial project with the Highlands Hospital Center for Autism that might lead to additional projects around Connellsville and Fayette County. Long-term there could be the potential to differentiate the region with renewable energy public art installations in towns and along the Pittsburgh to Cumberland trail network. More than once the idea of alignment with the Fayette County Comprehensive Plan came up. A part of the mission statement of the plan is to, “Enhance economic development and tourism opportunities involving natural and historic resources.”
“There are many pollinator gardens and the local garden club is very active.” —Liz Jones, LAGI Connellsville workshop participant
Other ideas included coordination with other energy projects in the region, such as with the proposals being made by PowerSecure.
Beginning with the Highlands Hospital Center for Autism, there was general consensus regarding the use of the fence that is required to provide privacy screening for the playground. The fence is on the north side of the building, but the one-story height on that side does not shade the fence line, which maintains good access to the sun throughout the day. There may be electricity requirements for the playground itself and there is a desire to include musical interactive elements in the design. Additional electricity generated by the Solar Mural installation can feed back into the building to augment any rooftop solar. The building is an excellent candidate for solar on the roof, which could potentially provide 100% of the annual demand of the facility. See the following pages for more information.
Given that Connellsville falls within the Enterprise Zones that provide capital gains tax incentives for developers, there may be opportunities to partner with investors who are interested in new projects that have a role for public art and an interest in on-site renewable energy generation.
The Center for Autism is currently providing services to 38 Students with room to expand up to 72. We were told that while many of the children who attend the school have limitations with verbal communication, they all find it quite natural to express themselves through art making.
Land Art Generator installations may align with this goal by providing cultural amenities that enhance public space, increase tourism, remind us of regional history, all while helping to lower the carbon footprint of the city, which helps to preserve natural resources for future generations. Themes for LAGI artworks could include the history of the region as the largest coke producer and the role of energy in the future. The image of the La Monarca butterfly LAGI Solar Mural artwork from San Antonio stimulate conversations about community gardens.
PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS Possible project partners and collaborators:
• Fayette County Cultural Trust • Community Foundation of Fayette County • Rural Arts Collaborative • Rural LISC (Uniontown) • Penn State Extension • Cleveland Clinic • Solar United Neighbors • Touchstone Center for Crafts • Garden Clubs • PowerSecure • Heinz Endowments • Hillman Foundation • Richard King Mellon Foundation • Chevron • West Penn Sustainable Energy Fund • McKenna Foundation
SOLAR MURAL INSTALLATION
PROPOSED PLAYGROUND
PROJECT SITE HIGHLANDS HOSPITAL CENTER FOR AUTISM
CENTER FOR AUTISM SOLAR MURALS ART ON SOUTHWEST WALLS
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
SOLAR MURALS ART ON SOUTHWEST WALLS
ROOFTOP SOLAR POTENTIAL SOLAR MURALS ART ON SOUTHWEST WALLS
SOLAR POTENTIAL OF THE SITE
The online PVWatts calculator provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) predicts the amount of solar energy produced in a typical year on the site using local solar irradiance and meteorological data. A study of the old elementary school potential shows that 538 MWh of electricity could be generated by installing solar panels on the roof of the building. An additional 250 MWh each year could be generated using vertical solar installations on the southwest facing brick walls and fence between the new playground at the Center for Autism. These vertical installations would be designed in collaboration with the students who attend school at the Center and with the assistance of a local/regional artist. With the rooftop in combination with the Solar Mural installations on the vertical walls and playground fence, the entire facility could generate 788 MWh per year, which may be more than is consumed by the building.
LAGI SOLAR MURAL ARTWORKS Anything an artist can imagine and paint onto the side of a building they can now transfer onto solar photovoltaic modules. The modules are then installed so that the artwork is the exact same composition—just as vibrant and beautiful—but this mural will generate clean electricity for more than 30 years, paying back the initial cost of the artwork and its carbon footprint. Solar Mural artworks celebrate local culture, provide new opportunities for artists, and make communities more vibrant and livable, all while reducing the carbon footprint of our cities as part of the solution to climate change. Solar Mural modules can be placed together to create one large canvas, used individually to create a gallery effect, or they can be used as panels to create 3D sculptures, or even outdoor rooms. In sustainable cities of the very near future, murals will be fabricated from photovoltaic panels as often as they are created with paints. The possibilities for creativity are as boundless as the sun!
The image above is from the installation of the La Monarca LAGI Solar Mural artwork in San Antonio, Texas.
LAGI SOLAR MURAL ARTWORK PROCESS IDENTIFY THE PROJECT SCOPE Once the site owner has decided to proceed and has identified the location for the installation, LAGI will provide a detailed cost estimate and assist with the fundraising process.
DESIGN Through a series of workshops LAGI will work closely with youth and/or local artists to develop artworks that will be then translated onto the solar panel.
LAGI WILL PROVIDE • Site analysis, selection, and preparation requirements • Procurement and coordination of local fabricators and solar installers • RFP management for artist identification and coordination • Participatory design facilitation with communities and schools • Workshops with lessons in energy science storytelling and mural
making • Detailed design and installation of the completed Solar Mural artwork
with balance of electrical systems • Electrical grid interconnection through building meter and facilitation
of net metering agreements
COST Between $6–$10 USD per watt (installed) Includes public engagement and artist fees
La Monarca San Antonio, Texas Artwork by Cruz Ortiz Art directed by Penelope Boyer
Robert Ferry – Land Art Generator Elizabeth Monoian – Land Art Generator
WORKSHOP ATTENDEES
Michael Edwards – Executive Director Connellsville Redevelopment Authority Daniel Cocks – Executive Director Fayette County Cultural Trust John Andursky – Chief Executive Officer Highlands Hospital Nick Jacobs – Consultant, Highlands Hospital Vicki Meier – Highlands Hospital John Wilson – Board of Directors Touchstone Center for the Arts Emily Dieter – Connellsville Chamber of Commerce Marilyn Weaver – Connellsville City Treasurer Susan Joy Lewis – Fox Castle Bed & Breakfast Owner Liz Jones – Connellsville Artist Barbara Bailey – Connellsville Artist Andrea Joy – Connellsville Artist CJ Paxinos – Connellsville Artist Shirley Rosenberger – Appalachian Creativity Center Owner
—Sketch by Liz Jones Artist and LAGI Connellsville workshop participant