“We are all children of the Sun”. A brief history of solar design: how the new solar architecture began, evolved and morphed?

The essay presents an investigation into the revolutionary role of solar design in architecture. It postulates that solar design can be conceived as a new cultural orientation, as well as an aesthetic language and functional approach that employs solar energy to define living and urban spaces. The evolution of photovoltaics is traced from the earliest scientific discoveries to its architectural integration, with particular attention paid to how current advanced and experimental technologies (e.g. flexible cells, solar fabrics) have transformed photovoltaics into an autonomous spatial and building element. In some cases, this transformation has been so significant that it has led to the birth of a new architectural “movement” (solarism). The concept of BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) represents a significant advancement in solar technology, whereby solar energy is integrated into the very fabric of buildings, conferring both energy and spatial value. This article proposes a final reflection on the relationship between humanity, nature and architecture, drawing upon Paolo Soleri's theories as a foundation for solar design and a sustainable approach to architecture that is in harmony with the environment.