Rollos

The solar cooker project was developed to reactivate public spaces by encouraging outdoor cooking as a communal activity, particularly addressing the social disconnection caused by extended lockdowns. Recognising a widespread shift toward indoor living and reliance on takeout food, the design sought to offer an inviting, sustainable alternative that motivates people to engage with shared environments such as parks and community gardens.

Central to the design is the concept of the solar cooker as a communal tool that is both portable and user-friendly, ensuring accessibility for diverse user groups and event formats. Its construction utilises sustainable materials and solar energy, providing a clean, renewable alternative to traditional fuel-based cooking methods. This aligns with larger environmental goals focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption in everyday life.

The cooker’s form and functionality were carefully considered to support ease of setup, safety, and effective heat capture, enabling a range of cooking techniques suitable for social settings. By fostering group participation and shared culinary experiences, the design supports community cohesion and collective wellbeing. The project positions outdoor cooking not merely as an act of food preparation but as a meaningful social catalyst, encouraging interaction, storytelling, and cultural exchange in open public environments.

The solar cooker challenges conventional uses of public space by transforming them into active, vibrant hubs of engagement. Its sustainable operation and inclusive design promote environmental stewardship while enhancing social connection, thereby contributing positively to urban wellbeing. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can integrate environmental responsibility with social innovation, creating tools that enrich both people and places.