Fiumicina – Call for proposal

The open call is open to all individuals and collectives, including cultural associations, active citizens, educators, students, agricultural communities and anyone with a sustainable and creative approach to the project’s goals.

Fiumicina encourages participants to engage deeply with their local contexts, experimenting with the solar kitchen as a tool for creative, collaborative

and community-driven projects. By embracing experimental solutions, this initiative invites diverse participants to explore new ways of fostering

sustainability and new connection.

We welcome a diverse array of proposals that resonate with the values of Fiumicina, spanning well-structured initiatives to daily practices in fields such as agriculture, education, the arts, social and cultural engagement, culinary traditions and beyond. In particular, proposals will be assessed based on their capacity to:

1. Align with Fiumicina’s core principles: community building, eco-social transformation, resource awareness, and climate action.
2. Demonstrate situatedness: engage deeply with specific local contexts, respecting their cultural and environmental dynamics.
3. Foster collaboration and inclusion: the project should promote participatory and inclusive approaches, encouraging the active involvement of a community or a more diverse group in terms of age, background and socio-geographical context. Whether designed for a broad public Timeline and Location What Lungomare offers Who Can Apply? Application Requirements Selection Criteria space or a smaller, localised community space (such as a schoolyard, for the facilities of a local association, or a non-profit space), the project should create opportunities for collaborative cooking experiments, shared learning and hands-on activities, fostering collective engagement while exploring solar-powered cooking.
4. Align with FLUX’s Principles: the project should embrace the themes of sustainability, local community engagement and creative exploration of the landscape. It should encourage respectful relationships with local territories, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
5. Spatial Requirements: for the duration of the project, the proposal should provide a space that can host Fiumicina and provide the necessary sunlight conditions to operate the solar kitchen at least for experimental purposes. Important

Notes Fiumicina
is not a professional gastronomic kitchen but an experimental and artistic object. Participants will be responsible for its care and use during the project. The proposed project may include commercial elements but it cannot be profit-oriented.

Yes, the solar kitchen can be part of a broader project. We appreciate projects that integrate Fiumicina within a larger context, provided they align with key concepts of Fiumicina, such as community cooking, engaging with local resources, and interacting with the surrounding territory. The kitchen should not merely serve as a functional kitchen but contribute to a broader discourse.

The temperature largely depends on weather conditions, specifically the clarity of the sky and the sun’s position. During clear days around noon, the kitchen can reach temperatures up to 280-300°C. The temperature can be adjusted by altering the angle and orientation of the parabolic mirror. For precision, both a food thermometer and a laser thermometer can be used to monitor cooking temperatures.

There is no need to disassemble the solar kitchen daily. The structure is robust enough to remain outdoors for up to ten days or longer with proper precautions. However, it is important to remember that while the kitchen is sturdy, it is also a delicate and potentially hazardous installation. Care must be taken to avoid damage and to ensure safety, as its components can be fragile and not indestructible.

It is possible to find a suitable location after the project has been selected. However, to increase the chances of the proposal being considered, it is helpful to have a clear idea of the type of location of interest and the actual possibility of securing that location to carry out the project as proposed. For example, in public spaces, a permit must be requested at least a month in advance. Keep in mind that the responsibility for the kitchen’s safety and maintenance during use lies with the project team.

The solar kitchen can be partially or fully disassembled for transportation. Typically, it is moved with the parabolic mirror (diameter: 2500 cm, height: 1400 cm) split into two parts, along with the partially disassembled support structure (height: 2000 cm, width: 1400 cm, depth: 1400 cm). When split into two parts, it can be transported in a large van. Alternatively, the parabolic mirror can be divided into six sections, allowing for transport in a more compact vehicle.
We will offer support and guidance for transportation logistics to the selected project.
For further information, please consult the manual (link ITA / link DE).

The solar kitchen’s cooking capacity is comparable to a large gas cooker. It can accommodate large pots, such as a 12-liter goulash kettle, making it suitable for preparing meals for larger groups. The cooking time is generally comparable to conventional gas or electric cookers, assuming good sunlight conditions. However, it is important to keep in mind that when clouds or haze are present, the temperature can drop significantly.
In general, Fiumicina is better suited for cooking large quantities of food rather than small meals for one or two people, as only one pot can be placed on the parabola at a time. This limitation increases preparation times, making it more important—compared to gas cooking—to start cooking early. Depending on the complexity of the dish, it can be helpful to break up the preparations throughout the day or even begin the day before.

Cooking with a solar kitchen requires strategic planning, especially in variable weather. The cooking process is directly dependent on sunlight, so cloudy days may require alternative preparations. We recommend scheduling public events during midday or early afternoon hours to make the most of the sunlight. Additionally, the kitchen’s heat can be preserved using accessories like the Norwegian oven, made from sheep wool. The hot pot can be placed inside, helping to maintain the temperature, which will gradually decrease over time.

The open call is intended for projects within a 100 km radius of Bolzano. While applicants do not need to be from this area, it is important to note that the projects must have a strong connection to the local territory. This allows Fiumicina and Lungomare to continue experimenting within the region while ensuring manageable transportation and logistics.

While the project can take place in a private space, a public audience must be involved. Private venues may simplify logistics, as the kitchen can be installed and left on-site for extended periods more easily.

Regarding safety and insurance considerations, once the winning project is selected, a formal agreement will be drafted with the selected applicant. This agreement will clearly define the responsibilities of each party, including safety protocols and risk management measures. It will also outline the potential consequences in the event of any damages or accidents. The agreement will be tailored to address the specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that all necessary safety and insurance requirements are met.