The Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research, IN+, of the Instituto Superior Técnico of the Technical University of Lisbon, is pleased to introduce you the International Design Competition "Lisbon Ideas Challenge (LIC) - Urban Design with Photovoltaics".

LIC is an activity promoted within the Photovoltaic Power System Programme (PVPS) latest task, Task 10. Task 10 objective is to enhance the opportunities for the wide-scale, solution-oriented application of PV in the urban environment, as part of an integrated approach that maximizes building energy efficiency as well as solar thermal and PV usage. PVPS is a collaborative R&D agreement, established within the International Energy Agency (IEA), aimed at conducting projects on the application of solar PV electricity.

In its first edition LIC intended to promote innovative ideas, relevant to the development of urban structures that integrated in their design concept solar photovoltaic technologies (PV), as well as to foster entrepreneurial attitudes based on this technology. In this sense the competition targeted mainly young architects, designers and engineers with interests in sustainable development concepts for the urban environment. The competition awarded a prize of 5.000€ for the Best Business Idea, sponsored by the competition official sponsor, the Portuguese risk capital firm PME Investimentos. All the information regarding the 1st LIC can be consulted in http://www.lisbonideaschallenge.com.pt/lic06

This first edition, taking place between March 2005 and November 2006, was an initiative promoted within the framework of Task10of the technological cooperation agreement Photovoltaics Power System Programme (PVPS) of the International Energy Agency (IEA), in which IN+/IST is the Portuguese partner.

Developed under the same international framework, the 2nd LIC is now co-organized by IN+/IST, on the behalf of IEA-PVPS-Task 10; the Portuguese National Energy Agency, ADENE; and by the Municipal Energy and Environment Agency of Lisbon, Lisboa E-Nova. The Municipality of Lisbon is also an active supporter of this initiative and is willing to effectively implement the winner ideas in the intervention area, providing that the relevant stakeholders and partners join this process. The 2nd LIC edition intends to make the competition more inclusive to the city of Lisbon, inviting the international community to present ideas of urban intervention plans for a lowincome residential neighbourhood of Lisbon, Bairro do Padre Cruz, where urban rehabilitation actions are a priority to the Municipality of Lisbon. The primary premise under this initiative framework is that the integration of PV into the built environment must empower not only the PV materials but also create an added value to that environment, in a synergic combination of form and function.

Within this sense Lisbon Ideas Challenge 2007 is inviting architects, designers and engineers to present an integrated design proposal for the urban renovation/rehabilitation of Bairro do Padre Cruz in Lisbon, so to transform it into a Solar Neighbourhood. This Solar Neighbourhood will serve the triple purpose of technological demonstration site, pro-active dissemination and education, targeting several stakeholders, from the local community to public authorities.

Submitted entries are to be presented according to two levels of urban intervention for the energy performance of the area, having as base the intervention plans already developed under the coordination of Lisbon Municipality.

Technological Integration Plan
Proposals are to present an integrated plan for the incorporation of PV materials to a total installed capacity of 1 MW, covering the whole intervention area. This capacity can be distributed among the different typologies of existing spaces. To support the inhabitants in the process of identification with their own neighbourhood, the proposal must include interaction measures with the local community.

- Technological Integration Project
Integration of PV materials at the project level in each of the following categories:

1) Commercial Building;
2) Public space, with the inclusion of urban art;
3) Social Housing

Prizes will be awarded to the best proposals in each of the three above mention categories in straight coordination with the presented technological integration plan. The individual prizes value will be of 5.000,00 €.

The official presentation of this competition occurred in the workshop "New rising era for photovoltaic in buildings" on the 2nd of February in Brussels, within the framework of the European Sustainable Energy Week promoted by the European Commission. The competition calls for entries from the 1st of March to the 31st of July 2007; the final prize ceremony is expected to be held in November 2007.

Being promotion and dissemination of PV technology in urban structures one of main goals of this competition, we would like to have your support in the dissemination of this initiative and for that kindly like to invite you to advertise LIC briefly in your communication channels.