SOL Grotto Installation of Solyndra Tubes by Rael San Frattello Architects
What can you do when a major company worth hundreds of millions of dollars files for Bankruptcy and has about 24 million glass tubes laying around? Well if you are an architect, you create an art installation! That is exactly what Rael San Fratello Architects did for the Berkeley’s Botanical garden.
The glass tubes are placed close to a creek allowing the water surface and the glass cylinders to playfully bounce rays of light between them. The cylinders have become home to several insect families. Looking through the class tubes gives visitors a micro perspective of the garden.
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.