Design competition opens for entries for new ‘smart energy’ feature in Dublin City

6 Nov 2012

A new competition called Imagine Energy is launching today to get design ideas for a smart energy feature that will be placed in Dublin’s city centre with the aim of educating people about renewable energy.

The new installation is part of the EU’s INTERREG IVB renewable energy initiative Ace that has been launched across north-west European countries. The organisers of the competition in Dublin are the sustainable energy adviser Codema and Dublin City Council.

According to the organisers, the competition for the new smart energy design is open to everyone from designers, planners, ICT professionals, creative thinkers and visual communicators.

Codema and Dublin City Council are looking for imaginative ideas for a feature that will grab the attention of people – be it through art, technology, light or sound – to highlight the link between renewable energy supply and demand.

In all, €150,000 will be invested in the winning physical installation, which will also be complemented by a virtual component to showcase the merging of ICT and sustainability to create an energy-smart city.

“This competition to design and install a smart energy feature in Dublin’s city centre breaks new ground and offers a real opportunity to highlight the benefits of renewable energy to Dubliners and tourists alike in a creative, fun and interactive way,” said Dublin Lord Mayor Mr Naoise Ó Muirí.

The Imagine Energy competition is launching today as part of Design Week. It is still not certain where the new feature will be placed in the city.

Carmel Doyle was a long-time reporter with Silicon Republic

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