La Plaza Del Sol Borincano is the proposed adaptive reuse of abandoned steel structures first used for the construction, maintenance, and repair of watercraft in Culebra, Puerto Rico. In addition to being the island’s first and only solar hub, La Plaza is a communal space for the Culebrenses to gather and learn about solar power, as well as an iconic and touristic attraction for visitors to learn about the island’s solar energy efforts.
The hub includes classrooms and lecture spaces, an indoor workshop space for technical training and solar panel repair, communal space for learning about solar power, an assembly space for administrative meetings, an indoor technical room for power storage and backup energy infrastructure (backup batteries, etc.) and an indoor administrative space for the office managing and overseeing solar infrastructure on the island.
These practical elements are complemented with more playful site components like outdoor cardio gym equipment that generate kinetic electricity, an open exhibition space for small creative and educational exhibitions, an open cafe space for the community to gather, outdoor seating, an electric bicycle rack and golf cart station, and more trees and greenery to allow for a more pedestrian-friendly site with shading and cooling benefits.
