Design of Urban Wind Turbines

Despite the strong technological potential, the adoption of small urban wind turbines has remained limited. This research from the University of Deusto proposes a shift in approach to meaningfully integrate these solutions into our cities.

Current approaches focus primarily on technical performance, often overlooking the social, environmental, and spatial values that define urban contexts. This leads to:

Low usability and limited long-term viability

Difficulties in integrating turbines into the urban landscape

Challenges in public acceptance

The research proposes a design framework that helps companies and designers navigate complex urban conditions beyond purely technical criteria. This model integrates the consideration of urban and social values from the early stages of the process, analyzes systemic interactions within the city (physical, social, economic, and ecological), and projects future scenarios to ensure the relevance of the infrastructure.

By bridging industrial design and urban energy systems, this framework contributes to the development of more context-aware and sustainable wind energy solutions. Although developed for wind turbines, the model is transferable to other urban products and infrastructures facing similar challenges of integration and social acceptance.

Take a look at the exhibition poster!

PHD Student