The aim of the design project is to completely reconceptualize the purpose of the greyfields. Beyond generating their own power sources, the objective is to breath a new life into these spaces, transforming them into vibrant hubs for communal and neighborhood activities. The innovative design approach revolves around a solar panel-oriented typology strategically embedded within the parking pattern of the expansive site at the Barracks Road Shopping Center Throughout the design process, we meticulously experimented with a myriad of options, seamlessly integrating open and enclosed spaces to ensure a harmonious coexistence with the sizeable white boxes, fostering a dynamic and inviting urban landscapes.

The greyfields at the shopping center, primarily utilized as a parking lot in Charlottesville and the pivotal center for the student activities, consistently deteriorates in a state of underutilization. This concept seeks not only to demonstrate the potential for transformation but also to showcase the capacity of these spaces to harness the solar energy, mitigate the challenges faced by soaring temperatures and contributing to more sustainable urban environments. Addressing the reality that the 72% of the site is impermeable, exacerbating the urban heat island effect, becomes a pivotal aspect of our comprehensive approach.

In response to these challenges, here, we characterize convective cooling in the diverse PV array, capturing combined effects of the spatial and atmospheric variation on the panel temperature and production. Parameters including row spacing, panel orientation, module ht. parking grids and site-specific solar exposure, 25’x20’ grids are meticulously laid out, intricately aligned with parking dimensions. This grid serves as the canvas upon which a network of incubators is strategically positioned, acting as catalyst for community activities. These incubators now serve as a versatile space, accommodating a spectrum of functions such as bustling food markets, leasable areas, convenient food truck stops, undulating mounds, serene berms, inviting depressions and functional platforms. To elevate the prominence of these transformative structures. The heights of incubators are increased from the standard 15’ in parking’s by adding 10’. This deliberate augmentation not only enhances visibility but also imparts a commanding volume, reinforcing the transformative potential of this sustainable urban intervention.

These interventions are not only site specific but also inherently generic, showcasing a remarkable adaptability that allows these innovative typologies to be seamlessly integrated into various locations. Whether it involves plugging in and out, scaling or orienting, these design principles can be flexibly applied to suit different sites while steadfastly adhering to the overarching purpose of creating dynamic and purposeful spaces.