The transition to renewable energy has major spatial implications in terms of urban design, infrastructure, and energy production. This energy transition has profound sociocultural, economic, and political implications and offers opportunities to discover a new energy economy and social cohesion.

At the same time, we urgently need to meet the growing demand for energy in the short term. This will require an expansion and upgrade of the electricity grid, including the construction of a large number of additional electricity substations and heat transfer stations.

In order to minimise the use of land for these new stations, fit them in as carefully as possible, in order to accelerate the transition, a new standard is needed. It requires smart redesign, technical innovation and collaboration.

In collaboration with the municipalities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, a research atelier been established: Jeux de Joules. During this event we will explore the challenge and sharpen the assignment. The design consortia will tackle this assignment over the upcoming four months to develop a new prototype. Additionally, Bright will present its preliminary research they conducted in the past months.

This may seem small, but these substations will become a feature in the streets throughout the Netherlands. The research outcomes will be showcased at the next edition of the IABR.