Georgia Tech's Solar Decathlon house is responsive to the metaphoric potential of an ancient Greek tale and the pragmatic requirements of sustainable building technologies. At the intersection of architectural myth and practice is the figure of the sun, a physical and imaginative trope naturally aligned with the elements of air, light and flight.
The ancients envisioned the very first encounter between architect and builder in the figure of Daedalus who was decidedly crafty with his technological inventions. One of his many devices, however, seriously angered his royal patron King Minos, resulting in his forced confinement on the island of Crete. Desiring his freedom, Daedalus invented his way of out of captivity by fabricating the first apparatus of flight.
By combining feathers and wax into a simulated wing, Daedalus gained his liberty. Unfortunately, he paid a very high price for his freedom. His son Icarus had also been fitted with wings, but ignored his father's warning and flew too close to the sun, melting the wax and falling to his death.
The mission of Georgia Tech's Solar Decathlon house is inextricably bound to this cautionary tale. The design of the house presents a modern day attempt to once again navigate the skies using Daedalus’ wings, albeit this time knowingly aware of its inherent risks.
