In your opinion, what makes the Solar Decathlon so different from other competitions?
Alain Maugard: The Solar Decathlon is an original competition. First of all, the teams` first mission is to manage the building operations from A to Z: conception, construction, functioning, including disassembly. Multidisciplinary teams are composed of young international students: architects, engineers, communication and marketing specialists. This Competition is the fruit of applied research and features real conditions and innovations. This positioning is quite original; like concept-cars, it leads us to concept-buildings!

What are the significant facts of this 2014 edition?
Versailles` choice as host city for Solar Decathlon Europe 2014 is no coincidence. Beyond the obvious reference to the Sun King, it is important to point out that the Castle was a very innovative building, with completely innovative architecture for its time, and it used revolutionary techniques such as water treatment. One must not forget that the Competition takes place within La Cité du Soleil®, a transitory yet sustainable site built within new alleys which were originally designed by Le Nôtre.

Have the Competition rules changed or evolved?
Indeed, 2014 is quite different from other Competitions. The Competition is no longer focused solely on individual solar houses but also on collective housing solutions as applied to dense urban areas. The objective is to respond to local demands by contextualizing prototypes accordingly with the country of origin – we are speaking here of climate and affordability. The stakes of retrofitting and mobility are core in this 2014 edition.

What lessons can be learned from such a Competition?
Once the Competition is over, we are planning to capitalize on all previous editions. We would like point out the trends, innovative ideas, and any leads that might help develop the future of energy transition. BBC, Bepos or positive energy housing – all of these points are viable; we still need to observe the public`s reaction to the ergonomics and viability of these houses, understand their expectations and fears… this is paramount in order for us to move forward. In the end, the human being is at the heart of our preoccupations - the everyday citizen, the city dweller or the citizen of the world - we are all responsible for our planet`s future.

Save the date!
Saturday 28th June - This is the offical opening date. Come & Visit La Cité du Soleil^® and the 20 zeroenergy prototypes in the estate of the Castle of Versailles!
contact@solardecathlon2014.fr
www.solardecathlon2014.fr

The international competition Solar Decathlon Europe 2014 will be held in June and July in Versailles, France. The deadline is getting closer with large steps; all participating teams are strongly determined and are moving heaven and earth to get ready. La Cité du Soleil^®- settled in the national domain of Versailles - will be the official home site of SDE 2014.
Source: Solar News October 2013