FURNITURE DESIGN

Circle Shade

FURNITURE DESIGN

Circle Shade

Circle Shade is an innovative award-winning canopy system and finalist of Architizer A+ Awards 2019, outdoor furniture category. The name captures the shape of the canopy and the function it serves. The design received a patent in 2019.

The project won Folly/Function 2017 competition in New York. The program called for four demountable structures to populate a highly active park, for adaptable use, and assembly in 10-15 minutes by one to two people.

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. Counterweights that compensate for wind, integrate as outdoor furniture.

With the challenges of climate change, and a more urgent need for protection against the sun’s harmful rays, the system offers a new type of space for improved outdoor living. It is flexible, portable and integrates in commercial and residential spaces with ease.

Circle shade is designed as a refined Kit of Parts for quick assembly and with flat pack delivery in mind. The vocabulary is minimal and clean, based on the structural tripod concept. Harmonizing system with detail, it’s 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. The canopy can provide for branding, and is circular, to roll for ease of mobility.

Assembly of a unit can be done in less than 5 minutes by 1 to 2 people, while the counterweights integrate as outdoor furniture. A single unit anchors a space, and the concrete counterweights serve as seat, back rest, tabletop and step stools during set up.

Circle Shade is a unique mobile canopy system. The structure sets up for use as single unit or in clusters for gatherings and social events. It can be used both in the public and private realm, and can function in a range of settings. It sets up beautifully in parks, gardens and urban environments, as well as pool side and waterfront. Circle Shade also responds to a need for delightful spaces offering shade and sun protection for kindergartens, education campuses including residential parks, hospitality and entertainment.

In sequence the structures create a dynamic environment in open constellation. The playfulness is transmitted through sculpted spaces, and the dichotomy of the structure, as light and airy yet grounded. When seated people become part of the counterweight structure. The open views beneath the canopies invites people to connect and engage in communal spaces and for individuals to respite and enjoy.

Awards: Architizer A+Awards 2019 Finalist, Outdoor Furniture
Location: New York, NY
Size: Dia.: 8 Ft. Diameter, H. Max: 7’-9”, H. Min. 7’-0”,
Services: Architecture and Design
Consultants: Structural Engineering Prototypes; Laufs Engineering Design, LLC
Photography: Jonathan Pilkington Photographer and Eva Christine Jensen