INSTALLATION

Circle Shade- 2πR4

INSTALLATION

Circle Shade- 2πR4

Circle Shade – 2πR4 is the winning project of Folly/Function 2017, an annual design/build competition in New York. The program called for four portable structures to populate a highly active park environment, for flexible use, and assembly in 10-15 minutes by one – two people.

We conceived Circle Shade as a minimal and clean design that emphasizes simplicity, transparency and versatility inspired by a generating shape, the circle. The portable canopy system is developed as a kit of parts. The concept consists of three main components and only 7 parts: 1 circular canopy, 3 poles and 3 cylindrical counterweights.

To set up, the canopy is circular for ease of rolling, and connects to 3 poles, one shorter and two longer, with custom designed high strength structural 3D-printed nodes engineered as rigid connections. The poles, insert into offset 3D printed brackets fastened to the counterweights. The pole height difference sets up the canopy tilt, while the structures can rotate in position to one another exuding a playful character. The system can be assembled within 5 minutes.

The design vocabulary is elegant and simple, composed of two fundamental geometries: circle and triangle. These define the design DNA in form through detail. The structural system was designed in collaboration with structural engineers.

Technical considerations with a high level of concern for detail was applied meticulously throughout the process. 3D-printing and modeling proved valuable tools in fabrication, joining bespoke with customized high-tech at low costs.

Circle Shade synthesizes a renewal of the umbrella shade and mobile tent structure. It eliminates the center pole common for opening and closing parasols, and offers a more uncluttered alternative to square tents while integrating counterweights as outdoor furniture.

The system articulates a refined canopy shade structure, designed on a budget for quick assembly with future flat-pack in mind. The canopy surface offers branding options for logo. It is non-directional with unobstructed views and open space beneath the canopy. It sets up as single unit and can be arranged in compelling clusters, creating dynamic playful spaces to host a variation of events.

Circle Shade – 2πR4, is four mobile canopy structures. The name captures the shape of the canopy, and function it serves, including the formula for a circle’s circumference x 4, as four prototypes were built for the installation. The four units have been installed in Socrates Sculpture Park in New York City for months at a time exceeding expectations, performing as designed and enjoyed by park visitors.

Awards: Architizer A+Awards 2019 Finalist, Outdoor Furniture
Competition: Winning Proposal of Folly/Function 2017
Program sponsors: The Architectural League of New York and Socrates Sculpture Park
Installation: Summer and Autumn, 2017
Location: Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City, NY
Size: Dia.: 8 Ft., H. Max: 7’-9”, H. Min. 7’-0”,
Quantity: 4 units
Services: Architecture and Design
Eva Jensen Design Team: Eva Christine Jensen, Sushwala Hedding, Jeffrey Montes & David Rowan Johnson
Eva Jensen Fabrication Team: Eva Christine Jensen, Sushwala Hedding, Jeffrey Montes, Jacqueline Mix, Chris Zirbes, Terrence McCrutchen & John Alliegro
Consultants:
Structural Engineering: Laufs Engineering Design, LLC
Collaborators:
Bluebird Concrete & Truth Concrete, Manhattan Shade & Glass, Z-Studios LLC
Reflect Printing & Graphic Design, Phorm, Inc
Photography: Jonathan Pilkington Photographer and Eva Christine Jensen