sustainable energy and particularly solar energy are very often presented in a rather didactic and patronizing way. The blue phoenix is intended to communicate the potential of sustainable energy without a moral point of view . It is seducing, entertaining and educational.
Blue phoenix is an electrically powered paraglider equipped with solar cells. It allows for a discussion about sustainability, means of transportation, wind and solar energy.

when I tried to create strategies for communicating the importance of alternative sources of energy, I usually ran against explanatory scheme that using guilt as their primary force.
Acknowledging the inefficiency of such strategies on the long run, I decided to try a different approach: a positive and engaging way of gathering people around these issues. This is how I came to think about the blue phoenix, a solar and wind powered paraglider

unmanned project (created by NASA)
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/history/pastprojects/Erast/helios.html

first electric paraglider:
http://www.electricppg.com/Developments/LemakMotor/index.htm

flexible solar cells:

All visitors to the ITP winter show are invited to hear about this educational project. Children because of its fun and magic feel, adults since they

Users observe the glider and then look at the video playing next to it. I am standing next to them and answer questions and present the project

just a paraglider (RC model of) hanging from the ceiling with its solar cells on it.

With the first prototype, I learned that the idea had the potential to communicate very nicely the concept of sustainability. I also found out that that the real size version of this project is possible.