Cathedrals of Power: Re-energizing Historic Power Systems

Abstract

By providing a regional resource, electric power systems have provided urban environments unprecedented means for growth and expansion from the late 1800’s to 1930’s, as discussed by Thomas Hughes, in Networks of Power. The electric power systems and components associated with them developed during this time and into present day has challenged civilization to create an infrastructure capable of harnessing this dangerous resource for the powering of cities. This thesis will reveal the relationships between these historic architectures of power, in the form of both a specific substation, Historic Cushman Substation and the neighborhood around it, and demonstrate how these structures can continue to provide resources to its community. The project will attempt to connect artifacts of the past energy system to emerging technology of the 21st century, by developing an integrated system for the existing infrastructure of the substation. This project implements innovative solar technology in the form of luminescent solar collectors. More broadly, this thesis brings historic systems back into use by infusing appropriate energy systems to specific sites, while also celebrating the civic space now possible; while demonstrating the thesis with the infrastructure and architecture of an iconic 1920s substation.