Solar Ivy Could Put New Creeping Spin On Solar Panels - can even mimic the way tree canopy filters light

Solar Ivy Could Put New Creeping Spin On Solar Panels EarthTechling:
Excuse me, are those solar panels growing on your house? A new product called Solar Ivy, under development by Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology (SMIT) and up for a grant from Pepsi, may have conversations like this occurring between neighbors sometime in the near future .
According to Dvice, Solar Ivy is a disguised solar power system ideal for older buildings and apartment complexes. SMIT developed Solar Ivy to be a structurally adaptive and customizable system that not only mimics the form of ivy, but its relationship to the environment. Towards that end, flexible photovoltaic “leaves” shift in the breeze while converting solar energy into electricity, and shade the building from heat during the day. According to SMIT, Solar Ivy even has the potential to mimic the way the tree canopy can filter light, encouraging ground level plant growth.

Green roofs are great but how about green rooms? Incorporating trees into indoor space and using biomimicry for structure and function in building; Portland, OR

Space Cadet: Fall 2009 Studio Project:
Here is an image of the building with the facade removed. You are looking at the office spaces. The floor plates have been staggered to create many double-height spaces that would allow you to grow 30 ft tall trees indoors. There are a few scientifically proven rules for spaces that enhance cognition-- high ceilings, natural light, and views to nature. To achieve this in an urban context I created places for tree canopy on a cascading series of green roofs. This reminds me of how trees can grow out of older and bigger trees, even 50 or 100 feet above ground, their roots following the tree down into the soil below.