29-30 October 2026

A two-day event exploring how photovoltaics are reshaping architecture, public space, and contemporary design culture.

Solar Architectures in Evolution

On 29 and 30 October 2026, the Swiss Solar Agency, in collaboration with EUROSOLAR – European Association for Renewable Energy e.V. and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), will host a two-day event exploring how photovoltaics are reshaping architecture, public space, and contemporary design culture.

From early experimental integrations in roofs and façades to contemporary buildings conceived as active, energy-generating envelopes, photovoltaic technologies have progressively transformed architectural thinking and the way buildings interact with material, space, and energy.

Day 1 — Solar Machines Conference

Thursday, 29 October 2026

SUPSI Campus, Mendrisio

The Solar Machines Conference explores buildings in which material, space, and energy interact as one coherent system through lectures, discussions, and exchanges between architects, engineers, researchers, and industry representatives.

Optional SUPSI Campus tour at 1:30 pm
Conference: 2:30 – 5:30 pm, followed by an apéro

Day 2 — European & Swiss Solar Awards Ceremony

Friday, 30 October 2026

LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Lugano

The European & Swiss Solar Awards Ceremony celebrates projects in which photovoltaics shape identity, architecture, and public space, highlighting outstanding international and Swiss contributions to solar integration in the built environment.

Optional Franklin University Campus tour at 11:00 am
Ceremony: 1:30 – 6:00 pm, followed by an apéro

The event is free of charge and participants may join individual sessions or attend the full two-day program.