FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Landmark "Solar Flower" Tower by Haim Dotan Shapes
New Vision for Solar Energy
Tower Architect and Designer Haim Dotan Selected to Construct Israeli
Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai China
Tel Aviv, Israel – June 22, 2009 – Haim Dotan, a pioneering Israeli architect who was recently
selected to design (with designer Prosper Amir) and construct the Israeli Pavilion at the World
Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, is the designer behind AORA's iconic solar energy tower, set
to launch on Wednesday, June 24, in Southern Israel.
"The AORA solar tower was conceptualized as a flower in the desert, symbolizing harmony
and balance with nature. It incorporates elements of art, sculpture, architecture and soul,"
said Haim Dotan, designer and architect of the AORA solar energy tower. "The purpose of the
flower is to attract attention, increase awareness, and to create emotion and excitement
among adults and children about the importance of clean energy."
Unlike other solar towers around the world, which are primarily utilitarian, functional towers
made of grey galvanized steel; Dotan's new and innovative solar tower design is shaped like
a colorful flower and complements the natural topography of the surrounding landscape.
AORA's power station, located in Kibbutz Samar, is the world's first commercial hybrid
solarized gas-turbine power station capable of producing uninterrupted, green power during
the day. 30 tracking mirrors (heliostats) situated on half an acre of desert land track the sun
and reflect its rays towards the top of the 30-meter high solar tower, which consists of a 24meter structural column and a 6-meter, two level mechanical space containing a special solar
receiver, a 100kw gas turbine and related electrical and mechanical equipment.
The patented receiver uses the sun’s energy to heat air to a temperature of 1,000 degrees
Celsius and directs this energy into the turbine. The turbine in turn converts the thermal
energy into electric power that is fed directly into the national power grid.
"AORA is honored to collaborate with the very talented Mr. Dotan on this project," said Haim
Fried, CEO of AORA. "Mr. Dotan translated AORA's vision into a stunning, environmentfriendly landmark. Moreover, he was able to deliver quality design, production and
construction of the tower at a low cost, which is a key component to our solar energy
solution."
The low cost solar tower is made of recyclable materials, mainly pre-fabricated curved steel
sheets, which can be easily assembled and erected in just two days. AORA's modular solar
energy system may be scaled and customized according to customer demand. As more
energy is needed and as the station expands, additional towers may be erected in a variety of
colors, creating a harmonious colorful garden of solar power flower towers.
“I hope to see more beautiful solar flowers throughout deserts and around the world in the
coming years,” said Dotan.
Project Details: Architects: Haim Dotan Ltd. Architects & Urban Designers; Design Team:
Haim Dotan, Adi Ayalon; Structural Engineer: YSS Engineers Ltd. Dani Shacham, Youri
Ougol; Project Manager: Haim Fried; Steel Contractor: Alkayam Ltd.; Construction Manager:
Micha Grenfeld; Photographer: Boaz Dovev.
High-resolution photos of the AORA solar flower tower and the Israeli Pavilion at World
Expo 2010 Shanghai China are available here.
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About Haim Dotan Ltd.
Haim Dotan, the designer of AORA's distinctive 30 meter-high solar receiving "solar flower"
tower, is a pioneering architect who has modernized the architectural construction field in
Israel with innovations and new directions using steel, light weight materials and unique
methods of building. His company, Haim Dotan Ltd, focuses on innovative cutting-edge
architecture, research and construction and designs private and public projects in Asia, the
Persian Gulf, Africa, Israel and Europe. Haim Dotan is an architectural pioneer in developing
construction techniques for residential, commercial, industrial, educational and public
institutions. The firm places emphasis on accurate building details, construction costs, time
tables and economical analysis of design alternatives and systems. In his projects, Architect
Dotan creates a new language in the global architecture landscape. For more information
please visit www.haimdotan.com.
About AORA
AORA, a renewable energy pioneer, is a leading developer of applied ultra-high temperature
concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies. AORA's modular solar power generation
solutions are comprised of very small modular units (100kWe / 170kW heat) which can be
linked together into centrally controlled power plants, customized to client demand. When the
amount of sunlight is not sufficient, the system operates on almost any alternative fuel source,
thereby guaranteeing an uninterrupted green power supply, 24hr/day. AORA is a member of
the E.D.I.G. Construction Management Group. For more information please visit
www.aora-solar.com
Media Contact:
Ellie Hanson
Ruder Finn Israel for Haim Dotan Ltd.
Tel: +972-544-676-980
Email: ellie@ruderfinn.co.il