Project Specs
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Project Type: Educational
- System Type: Solar Canopies Solar Trees
- Module Type: GSX
- Installer: Pivot Energy
Incredible team effort produces gorgeous GSX structure for the St. Louis Zoo. Pivot Energy, KAI Design and Up Companies worked together with Lumos Solar to design and build this beautiful and unique solar shade structure.
KAI Design created a unique solar canopy for the Saint Louis Zoo that provides much-needed shade for visitors, absorbs light and generates power.
The solar panel shade canopy, officially called Williams Family Solar Pavilion, provides shelter for a 2,200-square-foot dining area at a prominent location in the zoo. During the planning process for a retail renewal program in the heart of the zoological park, the project team recognized an opportunity to greatly expand the amount of sheltered outdoor dining area.
“The prominence of the location presented a unique opportunity and demanded ambitious aesthetic goals,” said Carl Karlen, Design Principal at KAI and Senior Designer on the project. “The canopy overlooking the central lagoon is highly visible to the millions of annual visitors, many of whom will sit in its shade enjoying their meals. It will also host important after-hours events as a source of additional revenue. The generosity of a sponsor elevated the possibilities for a distinctive architectural solution adding to the fabric of the historic and varied campus.”
