Van Aubel's efforts have not gone unnoticed: she designed the roof of the Netherlands Pavilion at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, and her work is part of the permanent collection of New York's MoMA, London's Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Vitra Design Museum, to name but a few. She has also collaborated with global brands, including Cos, Timberland, and Swarovski, all in her effort to accelerate the global energy transition to solar.&nbsp;Where does the interest in solar energy come from?&nbsp;MA: "I have always wondered about the solar panels on rooftops, those unappealing blue squares that don't necessarily make houses look more beautiful. It got me thinking about how we could seamlessly integrate solar power into our daily lives and make those panels not only functional but also visually appealing.&nbsp;We live in an age in which we desperately need answers for our climate crisis. A few of the answers lie in front of us, but we don't make use of them. Conventional energy sources play a big role in global warming, whereas solar energy can be a clean solution. The sun is all around us, almost everywhere on our planet, so why not use what we have in abundance and turn it into something useful that can bring us a step closer towards a more sustainable future?&nbsp;&nbsp;<blockquote><h1>"We are surrounded by surfaces everywhere, so why not use them and design objects that add emotional value"</h1></blockquote>&nbsp;Most people think of panels on roofs or of gigantic solar farms, which are great, of course, to harvest energy, but it would be even better to integrate solar in a beautiful way into our daily lives. We are surrounded by surfaces everywhere, so why not use them and design objects that add emotional value."&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><div style="padding:53.54% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/644732271?h=434f221748&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script></div>

What are the specific challenges or difficulties of working with solar energy?MA: "Every project always starts as a challenge. We have to consider which materials to use and how to produce locally and as efficiently as possible without generating waste. Since we don't use plug-and-play technologies, it takes a lot of research and experimenting. We also have to explore what's available on the market. Plus convince manufacturers to join us on a journey to discover new techniques and ways to make it more affordable. There is a lot of research happening around how to make solar cells more efficient and applicable to different materials, so we always need to stay up to date with the latest findings and developments.”&nbsp;Can you take us through the design process of, for example, the stained glass panels that generate energy?MA: The ‘Current Window’ is a contemporary version of stained glass. It not only serves its traditional purpose of adding color and beauty to a space but also harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity. The glass panels are constructed with dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), which utilize the characteristics of color to create an electric current, inspired by the process of photosynthesis in plants.&nbsp;

With integrated USB ports on the window ledge, you can conveniently charge your devices by plugging them in. The larger the surface area of the window, the more efficient it becomes as a power source. The design merges aesthetics with functionality, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both natural light and renewable energy in a beautiful and practical way."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/windowsill_4f7016eabd.jpeg" alt="windowsill.jpeg" srcset="https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_windowsill_4f7016eabd.jpeg 234w,https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_windowsill_4f7016eabd.jpeg 500w,https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/medium_windowsill_4f7016eabd.jpeg 750w,https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/large_windowsill_4f7016eabd.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></figure>&nbsp;<blockquote><h1>“It's all about finding creative and practical solutions to make renewable energy a part of our everyday life.”</h1></blockquote>

Where else do opportunities lie when it comes to solar design?MA: “Opportunities lie everywhere, they are all around us. In fact, just one hour of sunlight can generate enough energy to power the entire planet for an entire year. There are numerous projects already underway, such as incorporating solar panels into streets, parking lots, bike lanes, roofing of sidewalks, walls next to highways etc. If we master the technology, we can use a lot more surfaces than we do now. Opportunities are endless.You can integrate solar cells into practically any surface in an interior and generate energy. This opens up a world of possibilities for incorporating this technology into our homes. Whether it's windows like ‘The Current Window’, walls, or even furniture, there are plenty of ways to seamlessly integrate solar power into our living spaces. It's all about finding creative and practical solutions to make renewable energy a part of our everyday life."A good starting point is to look at every surface as a potential surface that could generate energy. With that I mean walls, floors, windows and literally every surface that is exposed to light. Almost everything can be designed in a way so that it can harvest energy. On top of that I think it’s important to consider the potential of product design and solar-powered objects in creating more harmonious and integrated spaces. By incorporating well-designed and functional objects into interior design projects, they can create a more symbiotic relationship between fixed elements and objects in the space. A space can become more dynamic in that way. I also think that there will be more solar design in the future with which interior designers can work with and play in space which is quite exciting.”

<div class="raw-html-embed"><div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/84964915?h=a8f1b0a0cd&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script></div>&nbsp;Your products are beautiful, but also exclusive. What are you doing to make your designs more available to a wider audience?MA: "Making them more available to a wider audience is, of course, the goal. It has been a challenge to create more affordable products designed with solar power. Unlike other fields of product design, solar design still remains a niche with unique requirements. Each of our products and projects uses individualized and specialized technologies, lacking standardization, which inevitably leads to increased costs. It's also a question of supply and demand; by offering beautiful solar designs, we can create a bigger demand for solar products, allowing production on a larger scale, and hence making solar power more affordable for a wider audience.With our autonomous solar light, Sunne, we took a first step in this direction. It's still on the more exclusive side, but it's a starting point for a series of products that will be more affordable for a wider audience and will help raise awareness of how solar energy can be integrated beautifully into our daily lives. The more designers embrace solar technology, the cheaper it will become to produce. And that's not just great for our studio, but for the entire solar design field and customers. As costs decrease, solar-powered objects will become more affordable for everyone."&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/523251883?h=97c00295ad&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script></div>

In addition to being an inventor and designer, you are also an author. How did the idea for the book come about?MA: "Solar energy is exciting and has lots of potential! There is so much more to it than just its technical side, which we're accustomed to. I wanted to write a book that shows this potential and showcases the latest and most exciting developments in the solar industry. We divided the book into three main parts: the past, the present, and the future. Understanding the origins and learning from the history of solar energy is important, but I didn't want it to be presented in a dry and boring way like many traditional history books. Instead, I wanted to make it fun and captivating by also including intriguing images and visuals that bring the history of solar design to life.&nbsp;The book delves into the present state of solar energy, exploring the latest advancements, innovations, and success stories. It offers a glimpse into the diverse applications of solar technology and its impact in the world today. Working as a solar designer, I met a lot of interesting people across the industry during the past few years whose ideas and experiences I wanted to include in the book. By featuring their perspectives, I aimed to provide readers with a glimpse into the minds of those driving innovation in the field of solar energy today.&nbsp;<img src="https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/Solar_Cover_Render_OK_1024x731_e003b96943.jpeg" alt="Solar_Cover_Render_OK-1024x731.jpeg" srcset="https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_Solar_Cover_Render_OK_1024x731_e003b96943.jpeg 219w,https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_Solar_Cover_Render_OK_1024x731_e003b96943.jpeg 500w,https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/medium_Solar_Cover_Render_OK_1024x731_e003b96943.jpeg 750w,https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/large_Solar_Cover_Render_OK_1024x731_e003b96943.jpeg 1000w," sizes="100vw">The book ends with a look into the future. By showcasing visionary ideas, groundbreaking research, emerging trends and dreams, I hope to inspire readers to imagine the transformative potential of solar energy in shaping our future. The book is not only written for designers and makers who want to play with solar technologies but for anyone interested in solar energy. I hope the book will help to change the perception of solar design, make it more attractive and exciting and serve as inspiration for everyday life."

<blockquote><h1>“By using our creativity and thinking outside the box, we can challenge the status quo and reshape the perception of solar panels into something functional and beautiful.”&nbsp;</h1></blockquote>&nbsp;What is your vision for the future or dream project?&nbsp;MA: "My dream is to move toward a world in which solar energy is the standard, and we live in a fossil fuel-free future. I love challenges and enjoy realizing things that are initially deemed impossible.One project that I am very passionate about and which remains a dream project is the Solar Biennale. It was initiated last year in Rotterdam in collaboration with fellow professionals in the field. Our main goal with the Solar Biennale is to accelerate the transition toward a fossil fuel-free future by showcasing and discussing solar futures and technologies, and by finding solutions together. One of our main goals is to create think tanks where we bring together people from all sorts of backgrounds, not just those in the industry but from different fields in society as well. We believe that by joining forces and collaborating, we can come up with interesting and impactful solutions. If we collaborate, we can think and implement ideas on a wider scale together.I truly believe that by changing our perspective, we can revolutionize and redefine nearly every technique. We have become accustomed to certain notions, such as the belief that solar panels are always unattractive, confined to roofs or large farms, and limited to square shapes in black or dark blue. However, if we take a step back and approach things with a fresh mindset, we can break free from these preconceptions. By using our creativity and thinking outside the box, we can challenge the status quo and reshape the perception of solar panels into something functional and beautiful. While our specialization lies in the world of solar design, I am sure that there is a lot of room for reinvention in other fields as well. If we, as designers and creatives, do so, we can contribute to making the world more sustainable, democratic, and beautiful at the same time."&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><div style="padding:125.58% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/630005912?h=94f8115b9c&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script></div>

What do you think is the biggest challenge in creating a fossil-free future?&nbsp;MA: "The biggest challenge in achieving a fossil-free future lies in changing our perception of renewable energy. We need to challenge the conventional status quo of relying on traditional energy sources and shift towards fossil-free solutions. While progress has been made, we haven't yet reached a point of complete independence.We have to redefine how we view solar power. Initially, the focus was on reducing costs and improving efficiency, and now solar energy has become the most affordable energy source in many countries. However, we still have the opportunity to make solar technology more accessible for everyone. We have many possibilities, and yet change needs to happen, and we are making progress. Not only with the climate crisis but also with social issues such as the war in Ukraine, we've seen the importance of exploring renewable energy sources to become independent and work towards a sustainable future. Exploring renewable energy sources for independence and creating a sustainable future has become inevitable.Another challenge we are facing is still on the technical side of solar energy. We need to find solutions to not only harvest the sun's energy in the most efficient way but also store the energy sustainably. There is still a long way to go, but we are on a good path."

What designs can we expect from you in the future?MA: "Designs on many different scales. We are working on a wide range of projects as we continue to embrace all sorts of challenges of solar energy. Our focus will be on creating solar-powered objects that integrate seamlessly into everyday life, making it more accessible for everyone.&nbsp;In addition to these smaller-scale projects, we are also committed to working on large-scale installations with which we want to raise awareness about the potential of solar energy. These installations will not only demonstrate the capabilities of solar power but hopefully also inspire others.&nbsp;We are also working on new editions of the Solar Biennale, which we are very excited about. We’ll have think tanks and workshops in different countries to discuss solar energy on an even wider scale."

<img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/Schermafbeelding_2023_11_06_om_16_54_30_9d3c8c9c16.png" alt="Schermafbeelding 2023-11-06 om 16.54.30.png" srcset="https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbnail_Schermafbeelding_2023_11_06_om_16_54_30_9d3c8c9c16.png 121w,https://tioc-cdn.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/small_Schermafbeelding_2023_11_06_om_16_54_30_9d3c8c9c16.png 388w," sizes="100vw">We're very proud to call NOOK one of our partners.&nbsp;NOOK is the official magazine of the Dutch and Belgian professional associations for interior architecture, BNI and AINB. The magazine offers in-depth content, inspiration, and opinions. NOOK is published quarterly in English.&nbsp;A version of the above interview was first published in NOOK, the Symbiosis issue (2023 / #2).&nbsp;<a href="https://bni.nl/nook/">Order a hard copy of the issue for €12.50, excluding shipping.</a>&nbsp;

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Dutch designer <a href="https://marjanvanaubel.com/">Marjan van Aubel</a> (1985) is shining some much-needed light – pun intended – on solar energy. With her studio, she creates designs that bring solar energy into daily life in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible. By combining elements from the fields of sustainability, design, and technology, Van Aubel aims to create lasting change and make solar power accessible to one and all.&nbsp;

MARJAN VAN AUBEL: SOLAR POWER TO THE PEOPLE

We meet up at Capital C, Amsterdam's creative hub, housed in a former diamond factory. Our interview takes place in the old clock tower, which Kessels has converted into a unique office space. All the walls and ceiling are adorned with a large, eclectic collection of clocks. You can rent the space for as long as you need, but be warned, when your time is up, a cacophony of sound will ensue as all the clocks go off simultaneously. Kessels demonstrates this by setting the alarm, and the sound of hundreds of clocks ringing at once is a jarring experience that only ends when you hit the big red buzzer, cleverly concealed within one of the larger clocks. "It's an effective way to bring a meeting to a close," Kessels says with a smile.

What is your personal definition of creativity?EK: “Ultimately, creativity is about doing things differently. When something is ‘different’ and unusual it surprises you, makes you laugh, or makes you think. Creativity is something that inspires people to think and see things differently. Plenty of people say they work in the creative industry, but they've never done anything creative. They're just robots sitting behind a computer, churning out content and following data. Which is why I think it’s more important than ever to put all your energy into your personality and your thought process.&nbsp;People think that creativity is about finishing something or making it perfect because that’s what we tend to focus on. We like to present the finished product: picture-perfect portfolios, glossy websites and Instagram accounts. But that's not really creativity. I usually explain it using the front versus backyard metaphor. The front yard is sort of a reflection of who you are: it’s a little bit creative, but on the whole it’s really a place for people to walk by and look at, which is why everything looks perfect and tidy. However, it’s the backyard that’s interesting because that’s where you’ll find the real creative stuff: unfinished proposals, passion projects, but also feelings of frustration and shame. It’s a place you fence off and where you spend a lot of time struggling and tinkering with things. It is here where ideas are born, which are then moved to the front yard for all to see.Many schools and companies only focus on the front yard – your portfolio – and not so much the backyard – your personality – which is such a shame. I believe that 90% of the time, the focus should be on students’ personalities, on their potential and on teaching them to think as extreme as possible.”&nbsp;

So I gather you believe that creativity is a teachable skill? Or is creativity an innate talent, bestowed on a lucky few?EK: “I am of the opinion that creativity is not an innate talent that people are born with. While some individuals may find it easier to let their minds wander and discard preconceived notions, that's really as far as it goes.&nbsp;Creativity can be hard work. Every time I have to come up with something new, I feel like a beginner all over again. At times, I'll feel inspired, and an excellent idea will materialize in just a few minutes. Other times, it takes weeks of aimlessly wandering, struggling through a maze of clichés to finally arrive at something worthwhile. It's always one of two extremes: either it comes to you quickly, or it's an uphill battle.When it comes to creativity, it's not just about putting in long hours, but rather about picking the right moment. Some agencies have a culture of working late into the night, ordering takeout, and pushing for another round of brainstorming. I don't believe in that approach. In my experience, no one ever came up with a truly innovative idea after 8 pm. I encourage people to go home, get some rest, and come back the next day with a fresh perspective.”&nbsp;<blockquote><h1>"Creative people who are successful can be a bit selfish or even a bit of an asshole but sometimes that's necessary.”</h1></blockquote>

What does that creative process look like?EK: “Most of the work is done in my head. I don't just sit behind a desk or a computer to work something out, instead I walk around mulling things over in my head, visualizing ideas and trying to come up with the best ones.&nbsp;I'm always ‘on,’ constantly on the lookout, discovering new things every day. It could be something I read, research, or some unknown artist I stumble upon. Then, I delve into it and find out everything I can. Sometimes I buy their work, read about them, or even try to meet them in person.I have this antenna and just pick things up from my surroundings, whether it’s conversations I overhear on the street or a note that’s lying around somewhere. I process all that information and then, through association, link things together to generate something new. And the hardest part in all of that is letting go of the fear that you might not be able to come up with something. Or trusting that a concept that pops up in just a couple of seconds is worth pursuing.I'm addicted to the thrill of generating some awe-inspiring idea: once or twice a year, I'm genuinely stunned by my own work. It's an incredible feeling to know that I produced something that surpasses my expectations, and I cherish these moments. They're unpredictable and can't be forced, but they keep me hungry for more.”

And then comes the moment of presenting that great idea to a client. Do you welcome or loathe feedback?EK: "I don't show my ideas to others until I'm completely satisfied with them. Then, after getting some feedback, I might make some small changes, refine the idea, but once it's finished, nobody can change my mind about it.&nbsp;Creative people who are successful can be a bit selfish or even a bit of an asshole but sometimes that's necessary. The creative process is inherently fragile, so I am mindful of that when collaborating with others. However, when it comes to standing up for my ideas and defending my work, I will fight for what I believe in. This doesn't mean being rude or unpleasant, but rather being assertive and confident in my vision.”

Speaking of a tense situation. How do you look back on the controversy following the ‘Destroy my face' project? (ed. Kessels designed an installation featuring ramps adorned with digitally altered images of surgically enhanced faces that were later damaged by the skaters who rode over them. Two young women initiated a petition requesting the organizers to remove the artwork.)EK: “I spent a year working on this project. I did extensive research, consulted with cosmetic surgeons. A team of roughly 100 people saw the project before its public release and no concerns were raised. There was never any red flag, so I was quite shocked when it suddenly exploded. It was very intense and for about four to five days I just stayed home, curled up under a blanket, watching National Geographic. But once the initial shock passed I wanted to take action. I reached out to the young women who started the petition but they didn’t want any contact. Under pressure of an American sponsor the work was removed but if anything the whole thing has motivated me to continue creating and pushing boundaries.”&nbsp;<blockquote><h1>“I'm addicted to the thrill of generating some awe-inspiring idea: once or twice a year, I'm genuinely stunned by my own work.”</h1></blockquote>

How do you push those creative boundaries?EK: “You have to keep taking deliberate turns in your thought process. Purposely make a mistake. Enlarge something or make it smaller. Turn something around or upside down. And have a beginner's mindset. Every professional started out as an amateur and it’s good to return to the kind of spontaneity and naivety that you once had.Sure things can go wrong, but what do you have to lose? You might hit a wall but then you just turn around. For instance, we once had a small assignment from a school in Den Bosch where they had a huge problem with garbage on their campus. And instead of solving the problem, we made it worse. There were plenty of trashcans on site but nobody bothered to use them. So we put a sign on them, which read ‘trash only’ and made it difficult to actually throw stuff in them. We put a fence around one and placed another one high up in a tree, which could only be reached with a ladder.”&nbsp;

Can the advances in technology help push our creative boundaries?&nbsp;EK: “Technology and all those tools are fantastic, but their value depends on what you do with them. There are always a few pioneers who make something unique or worthwhile using new technology, followed by others who produce uninteresting content. I remember when YouTube came up and all these companies insisted on having a video on YouTube. It was ridiculous, everyone was doing it and those videos had zero impact. Or take the opportunism and hype that came with things like virtual reality glasses: they’ve been around for two decades now and still haven’t caught on. The fact that there's a bit of a buzz with the metaverse now is just sad, with a commercial company feeling the heat. Take NFTs: the concept behind them is super interesting, and some people have made a real difference with them. But then the masses came along and ruined it all, and it became about quick money and clichés. Ultimately, it is individuals who can make a difference, and those with exceptional skills are becoming increasingly valuable as automation becomes more prevalent.”

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Erik Kessels (1966) is a Dutch artist, designer, and curator, known for his work in photography, advertising and publishing. He the co-founder and creative director of KesselsKramer, an independent communications agency based in Amsterdam. Kessels is a prolific artist whose work has been exhibited at galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. He is best known for his work in the field of photography, specifically his use of found photography, and to date has published well over 100 books. A conversation with a modern-day Renaissance man.

ERIK KESSELS: PERSONALITY OVER PORTFOLIO

CREDITS: Photo by Renata Dutrée, Look by Edwin Oudshoorn.What does your daily creative practice look like?NU: “I typically wake up very early and begin working right away. I advise against reading emails in the morning because it often leads to you spending time doing tasks that other people have requested of you. Instead, focus on a project or task you are interested in or have devised yourself.&nbsp;I establish a comprehensive work schedule for my significant projects, exhibitions, and clients. This approach gives me stability and structure, allowing me to work consistently and with focused attention.I reserve the end of the day as a time for inspiration. This is when I like to read, sketch, and reflect.”&nbsp;How important is the physical place of work for you?NU: “The environment where I work is essential to me. I have set up my office on the second floor of my house, a peaceful and well-organized space where everything has a designated place. I maintain a clean desk policy in my office and throughout my entire home, so I can avoid any distractions. I even covered the windows with a semi-transparent foil to minimize distractions and fully concentrate on my work to maximize productivity.”

How do you encourage creativity when working with others?NU: “To encourage creativity, I involve everyone in my vision as much as possible. I clearly communicate the end goal and instill the belief that it is achievable. I ensure that everyone understands their role and how it fits into the bigger picture. Ultimately, I aim to create an environment where everyone can shine and contribute to the project's success.” What’s your number one piece of advice?NU: “Start your projects as early as possible. What's done is done. Good preparation is really half the work. There are no surprises, just bad planning.”

How important will creativity will be in the future?NU: “Crucial. Certainly, with regard to the collective problems in the world, but also for problems in, for example, the government. A fresh creative look leads to new insights. Creativity and solution-oriented thinking and acting are inherently linked. Just as creativity and pragmatics go together naturally: an entrepreneur responsible for his own income sometimes has to develop a creative solution quickly.”&nbsp;With Masterly you (among other things) provide a platform to craftsmen: how do you see the field of work changing as a result of the rapid developments in the field of AI?NU: “Machines are not capable of being truly, autonomously creative. It is always dictated by people. AI is a complement to and not a replacement for. Einstein said: 'If you can't imagine it, you will never create it.' AI helps with 'imagination.' But I still see the real value in the analog, material world. That tangible remains. Craftsmanship and technology are not, by definition, each other's opposites. Reciprocity between them leads to innovation.”

CREDITS: Photo by Renata Dutrée, Look by Edwin Oudshoorn.

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As a curator and independent exhibition creator, Nicole Uniquole merges the worlds of (Dutch) design and business, creating new opportunities for both. Nicole sat down to discuss her daily creative practice, the importance of an organized work environment, how to encourage creativity when working with others, and the future of creativity.

Design

MARJAN VAN AUBEL: SOLAR POWER TO THE PEOPLE

ERIK KESSELS: PERSONALITY OVER PORTFOLIO

NICOLE UNIQUOLE: CURATING CREATIVITY

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