Sylvan Solar Shade

Sylvan Solar Shade is a modular shade pavilion designed to improve the public space in Lafayette Square, Cambridge, MA. The ongoing efforts to create outdoor public spaces within Cambridge have been aimed to foster a comfortable and enjoyable environment. The limited shade cover in Lafayette Square has made the seating increasingly hostile to the large potential user base. Sylvan Solar Shade utilizes shade patterns inspired by local trees and a module 'pop-up' design to create a flexible and inviting public space.

    Sylvan Solar Shade is a system made up of steel slotted angles and hexagonal panels that together can be used to construct shade covers that can vary in size, shape, and orientation. All of the connections between the slotted angles are done through 3D-printed pegs that allow for strong friction fits at many positions. The panels also have identical pegs that allow for them to be fastened to the slotted angles. In addition, the panels also have a hole that is sized so that when these bulbous pegs are inserted it acts as a ball joint. This function allows panels to be connected to one another, as well as makes the orientation of these panels to be variable. When used in tandem, the slotted angles can be used to quickly construct a frame for which the hexagonal panels can build off to create a sprawling canopy. Sylvan Solar Shade leverages the accessibility of materials, and the ability to adapt to different scenarios to facilitate the creation of inviting space for the pedestrians of Lafayette Square.