The Solar Sanctuary canopies are a collection of prototype modular shade canopies. The canopies aimed to give people protection from the sun, yet retain an aura of light. This is achieved by a double layered system which allows light to pass through patterned holes on the outer layer, which become diffused when hitting the inner layer.
The canopies are modular and based on a geometric system, so they can be constructed and grown to any size required for the space. As each ‘petal’ is individual, colour variations are multiple and allow customisation.
The inspiration for the structure came to me by observing nature at a microscopic scale, in particular, diatoms, single-celled structures encassed in 2-sided silica which are highly ornate.
I would like people to feel a subliminal link to nature and a feeling of wellbeing when finding themselves underneath the canopy.
link here to see images of the canopy exhibited.
Press:
Garden Design Journal (pdf)
Mocoloco Oct 2008