Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas of photovoltaic architecture

The growing interest in applying photovoltaics for construction results in solutions based on the concept of integration with the architecture of the building and its surroundings. This means that the challenge lies not only in the technical integration itself but also in a strictly relationship with architecture. The study aims at determining a critical history of the evolution of photovoltaic architecture, narrowing down its role in the contemporary architecture design, in terms of firmitas (structure), utilitas (functionality), and venustas (aesthetics) of the building as well as its relationship with the environment. This study offers an architectural perspective on the design approaches through the carefully selection of several case study to illustrate main topics, design criteria, limitations, and challenges with a broad spectrum of interpretation. The results demonstrate that the development of integrated photovoltaic systems strengthens the relationship between PV technology and architecture in terms of structure, utility, and aesthetics. This relationship is synergistic and stimulates the parallel development of photovoltaic technology and architectural solutions.