Eva Jensen Design team recognized in International Architizer A+Awards 2020 for Architecture + New Materials

New York July 20th, 2020: Eva Jensen Design is delighted to announce that our portable canopy system, Circle Shade, is finalist in Architizer’s prestigious A+Awards program for architecture and design. Circle Shade is the winner of Folly/Function 2017 competition, and was selected from over 180 submission. The portable canopy system is elegant and innovative. It’s designed as a Kit of Parts for quick assembly and flexible use integrating outdoor furniture. All joint connections and brackets are individually detailed and 3D printed. These features combined (qualities) make it (noteworthy, striking) significant as finalist for Detail Category: Architecture + New Materials.

ABOUT CIRCLE SHADE

Circle Shade is a new type of portable canopy system. It synthesizes renewal of current shade structures and portable tent concepts. It eliminates the center pole of traditional parasols, and the opening and closing maintenance of an umbrella. Offering an alternative to square tents, and integrating counterweights as outdoor furniture, the system is created with flat-pack delivery in mind. With the challenges of Covid-19 Circle Shade offers set up constellations for social distancing.

The design is based on the structural tripod concept. Harmonizing system with detail, the distilled design DNA is composed of two fundamental geometries: circle and triangle. A single unit consists of 3 main components, and only 7 parts: 1 canopy, 3 poles and 3 cylindrical counterweights.

To set up, the canopy is circular for ease of rolling. The ring consists of 3 aluminum segments, each joined by a high strength structural 3D printed node with differentiated design. A vertical prong connects to the aluminum poles. At the base these slide into 3D printed brackets fastened to concrete counterweights. The poles are fixed with quick release T-handles, and a unit assembles in 5 minutes by 1- 2 people.

The system was designed in collaboration with structural engineers. Technical considerations with high level of concern for detail was applied meticulously throughout the process. 3D-modeling and printing proved valuable tools in fabrication, joining bespoke with customized high-tech at low cost.

With the challenges climate change, and need for protection against the sun’s harmful rays, the innovative system offers a new type of space for improved outdoor living quality. It’s flexible, portable and integrates with ease. A unique mobile canopy system that serves both the public and private realm for people to connect, engage and inhabit, while offering individual respite and joy.

ABOUT EVA CHRISTINE JENSEN, AIA MAA

Eva Christine Jensen is a Danish and US licensed Architect living in New York. Having studied at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture (KADK), in Copenhagen Denmark, and the Politecnico in Milan, Eva Jensen pursued an international career working both in Denmark and abroad.

Upon graduation, Eva Jensen was invited to teach architecture as an assistant professor at KADK and following stimulating years of teaching Eva Jensen decided to transition from academia to focus on full-time architecture practice. Inspired by travels and working with renowned and successful architecture firms, among some, Angelo Mangiarotti, Milan, Michael Hopkins, London, Henning Larsen, Copenhagen, as well as Shelton Mindel, New York, Eva Jensen founded her own architecture and design studio in New York.

With a Danish background, and informed by her Nordic heritage, Eva Jensen aspires to conceive projects with light as a primary material, striving for cohesive and distilled design solutions. Inspired by nature, observed needs, and in collaboration with clients and a great team of consultants, Eva Jensen strives to develop structures by expressing their highest potential, using a reductive approach, and creating designs that speak of simplicity and effortless refinement.

ABOUT A+AWARDS

The Architizer A+Awards is the largest awards program focused on promoting and celebrating the year’s best architecture and products. Its mission is to nurture the appreciation of meaningful architecture in the world and champion its potential for a positive impact on everyday life. Imagine the best work in front of a global audience of 400+ million. Winners are chosen by Architizer’s illustrious jury including such industry luminaries as Denise Scott Brown, Bjarke Ingels and Tom Kundig, as well as personalities from beyond architecture like Tony Hsieh (CEO Zappos), Yves Behar (Fuseproject), John Edelman (CEO Design Within Reach), Cameron Sinclair (architecture forHumanity) and Barry Bergdoll (MoMA)