Evan Kenny
Solar Space
How could we empower our communities by building digital spaces that respect our privacy?
Inspired by the recent trend towards authoritarian lawmaking seeking to violate our right to digital privacy, Solar Space explores how technology can be used to provide digital refuge to communities if these anti-privacy laws – like the now infamous "Chat Control"– come to pass.
The result is a solar-powered, offline network that hosts a number of applications for organisational and informational purposes like a wiki, forum, and live chat room. Users access the space by connecting to a fake Wi-fi network, keeping Solar Space easily accessible but still hidden if required.
Recognising the role of the technology industry in violating privacy and aiding fascism, Solar Space was explored as subversively as possible using only open-source tools and exclusively, without the use of AI. It is a blueprint for groups or individuals to build and establish their own private digital spaces: a Solar Space.
Solar Space modules.
Window mounted module.
The Solar Space web application.
The various modules.
3D Model in open source CAD.
Research
First functioning prototype.
Group workshop.
Live chat working.
Testing of a groupchat experience.
Basic experience prototype.