Africa Energy Forum

Africa Energy Forum
LAGI / Maasai Solar Exhibition and Lecture
June 7–9, 2017
Copenhagen

Powering the Planet with Regenerative Art

The Land Art Generator Initiative would like to see a world in which the aesthetic influence of clean energy technologies has been intentionally designed to be a reflection of our culture. Working with cities and communities around the world LAGI is bringing forward site-specific solutions for renewable energy infrastructure that is designed as public art. In doing so, we are shifting from the “gloom and doom” narrative of climate change to inspiring examples of the beauty of our sustainable future, showing policy makers and city planners that net-positive energy installations can be placemaking tools, economic development drivers, and educational venues while they help to power the grid.

These are the questions asked by Tereneh Mosley, the founder of Idia'Dega, when she learned of the electrification needs of her Maasai collaborators in Olorgesailie, Kenya. She reached out to LAGI in 2015, and less than six months later a participatory design workshop in Kenya led to the founding of Maasai Solar.

Attendees to this presentation will learn about creative ways of integrating renewable energy infrastructure within specific cultural contexts. How can we get past the not-in-my-backyard response that so often comes with proposals for clean energy generation near culturally-sensitive and unique places? Can design create a win-win scenario for people and the planet? What are the natural sources of energy in your community, culture, country – how might that shape your renewable energy solutions?

Tereneh Mosley will talk about the work of LAGI and the Maasai Solar collaboration of LAGI + OMWA: Olorgesailie Maasai Women Artisans of Kenya + Idia'Dega. Attendees will take part in an interactive sessions brainstorming and designing their own ideas for how to bring solar and wind power to the contexts of their communities so that our energy landscapes and accessories are an integral part of our cultural heritage.