Client: University of Bayreuth
Presentation: European Research Council, ERC
The cooling window to the universe
The University of Bayreuth has commissioned me to illustrate a very important presentation:
Professor Dr Markus Retsch, Lichtenberg Junior Professor of Polymer Systems, is currently researching a visionary concept that allows surfaces, such as houses or textiles, to cool themselves without the need for air conditioning. The idea behind it is extremely ingenious and saves a lot of energy: thanks to a special surface, the visible light is simply scattered back and, in the process, heat radiation is sent into space – without the need to supply energy.
The presentation
The scientist presented the idea for his research project ‘VISIRday’ to the European Research Council in Brussels in order to apply for the ERC Starting Grant – one of the most important European research awards for top young researchers. To convince the jury, Markus Retsch brought me on board to work with him on the images for his presentation.
For the lead image of the presentation, for example, I built a house that is equipped with the revolutionary passive cooling technology: thanks to awnings, shutters, wall paint and a roof with a special coating, it doesn’t heat up, but instead cools itself down without outside intervention.
ERC application successful!
To my great delight, the presentation convinced the jury! Markus Retsch will receive 1.5 million euros in funding to further advance his research. It was a great honour for me to be able to play a small part in his journey!
