Circular Futures Lab

Projects

About

Research

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Climate Design
Warming Planet
Public Sediment
Emerji
Climate Kit

Materials
Eco Materials Library
Woven Hybrid

Active Mobility
San José Mobility Hub 
Austin Electric Drive
BART Mobility Hub
Solar Pump

San Fernando Mobility Hub
San José, CA


Design Consulting for:
San José Department of Transportation &
Metropolitan Transportation Commission

The Solar Mobility Hub design for San Fernando Street was commissioned through the City of San José Department of Transportation as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Regional Mobility Hub Program. Located between 6th and 7th Streets adjacent to San José State University, the project examines how solar-powered mobility infrastructure can support both transportation and everyday public life.

The proposal centers on a compact, off-grid solar structure designed to power essential mobility hub functions within the public right-of-way, including e-bike charging, pedestrian-scale lighting, USB charging, and real-time transit information. The design also incorporates shaded seating, wayfinding, and parklet elements that support multimodal transit users and strengthen connections between different modes of transportation.

Positioned alongside a bus boarding island and connected to bike share and scooter share services, the hub brings together multiple transportation modes within a small urban footprint. Developed as a pilot project, the Solar Mobility Hub investigates how off-grid solar infrastructure can support mobility services and public amenities without requiring new utility connections, reducing both costs and implementation timelines.

The project emerged through a collaborative design process involving public works staff, transit operators, underground utility teams, neighborhood stakeholders, and city agencies whose input informed the hub's location, programming, and integration into the surrounding streetscape.






























Electric Drive Solar Kiosk 

Sand Beach Park, Austin, TX

Commission



The City of Austin Office of Sustainability, Austin Energy

Awards



Austin Green Award, 2017

“Better Together Design Exhibition” IDSA/AIGA, San Francisco, CA, 2017

Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo, Smart 50 Awards, 2017 Winner of the Austin Green Award, the kiosk is part of Austin Energy’s Electric Drive showcase at the Seaholm EcoDistrict in Austin, TX. It combines solar technology, public art, and civic placemaking while providing shaded seating, LED lighting, and free solar power for charging electric bikes, electric wheelchairs, and mobile electronics, day or night. The kiosk’s design repurposes an iconic 1950s gas pump outfitted with electrical outlets and solar battery storage. The goal of the project is to spark conversations about renewable technology, community well-being, and culture change. Sited on a demonstration green-energy street that invites the public to use state-of-the-art charging options for electric bikes, scooters, and cars, this station provides public furniture, information on bike and car sharing, and access to local hike-and-bike trails along the Colorado River.




© Beth Ferguson, 2026