The aesthetics of solarpunk worlds

How can we turn an imaginative solarpunk world concept into beautiful images? Discover the main characteristics of the solarpunk aesthetics!

The imaginary world

As discussed in the previous post, solarpunk takes diverse forms. On the one hand, there are more pragmatic ones (e.g., the actions needed to reach a solarpunk society). On the other hand, we find more abstract ones like imagining the world we would like to live in. This imaginary world comes into view through art. Numerous artistic specialties show these fantastic worlds. Today, we will focus on the aesthetics of solarpunk paintings.

The solarpunk visual aesthetics are characterized by a mix of Art Nouveau with Hayao Miyazaki's style (from Ghibli films) and high-tech. It is common for the illustrations to show distinctive elements of solarpunk, such as green power, green architecture, geodesic domes, community living, and technology. In addition, a vivid color palette is often used to transmit an optimistic mood. Afrofuturistic concepts can also appear sometimes to create an inclusive world concept, not only using western elements.

Let's briefly analyze some examples:

Return the villain

In this picture, we can see how Art Nouveau (e.g., the curves in the building walls) combined with green spaces and water -that is, with nature- can lead to a beautiful combination. In this case, most buildings have glass walls to let natural light in. It also shows people having free time in the background, not working as in a capitalist reality. There are also floating wind turbines in the background, which generate a green energy source. The main character here could be described as of African ethnicity, to remark the Afrofuturism in solarpunk illustrations.

Interior of a building

This image is an excellent example of the influence of Art Nouveau on the solarpunk aesthetics. We can appreciate the curved lines that depict this artistic movement in all the edifice: the stairs, columns, and ceiling. 

In addition, a central green structure and a glass dome are on top, which provides a lot of natural light into the indoor space.

Dear Alice

This image, taken from a frame of a commercial for Chobani Yogurt, is a clear example of the use of a cheerful color palette. The clip, which reimagines our agricultural future, displays a futuristic -yet very human- lifestyle. The clip also has vivid vegetation that reminds us of Haya Miyazaki's films. It also has floating wind turbines, solar panels, and fruit-picking robots. We can even see geodesic domes on top of some buildings.

Okay, I know I said that the goal of this article is to show the imaginary world via pictures. Nonetheless, this hybrid of nature and technology can also be seen in real-life projects, especially architecture-related ones:

"Jewel" Airport, Singapure

This jaw-dropping airport features a giant indoor waterfall from a glass dome in the ceiling. It is clearly nature-inspired, with green walls and trees covering all the area. But it also merges with the futuristic-looking train driving through the structure.

More real-life projects will be discussed in future posts in the Solarpunk World newsletter.

Perhaps this combination of nature and technology makes you want to go and feel it for yourself. In such a case, it has awakened your solarpunk spirit, and you will not want to miss any solarpunk articles... right? Well then, please consider subscribing to the Solarpunk World newsletter (it is free!).