A recent new addition that appeared in a part of the world that I have journeyed through for many years really left an impression on me.
The lakefront drive from Geneva to Lausanne is a beautiful stretch that is filled with an understated vibrance. Something that I have always looked forward to seeing in this area during the Spring and Summer months has been the fields of sunflowers that grow there. This time, not only did I see the usual endless pastures of bright yellow sunflowers chasing the sun, but I saw a large metallic looking flower on the campus of a school in Rolle. No wonder, as it has always been a hotbed of big ideas and global perspectives. Many international organizations are located along this picturesque stretch of coastline, and therefore some of the most talented people from around the world relocate here.
Upon closer inspection, it was a high-tech mechanical flower that – like a sunflower – was a heliotrope (this means it follows the position of the sun during the day) whose large petals were actually solar panels. Not only was it incredible to look at but it also was a brilliant marriage that, though modern technology, replicated the miracles of nature.
some of the most talented people from around the world relocate here.
Apparently, I have subsequently learned that this “flower” automatically cleans itself and produces enough electricity to power all the electric cars used and left on campus. What a wonderful combination of aesthetics and science, which once again shows that technology can be used to create non-depleting energy sources, and it can blend right in with the surroundings at the same time.