Serpantina 1st Prize

The aim of the Urban Shade competition, following a year-long research project on this topic, was to conceptualize, plan, and build prototypes of duplicable shading elements for an outdoor public space.

Serpantina is a simple linear element made up of modules of standard metal profiles and sun shading fabrics widely available in the market that can be both easily reproduced, adapted to different locations, transported and assembled on site. Although extremely affordable, its monumental dimensions and graphic character make it automatically recognizable, optimistic and iconic, therefore maximizing its urban effect.

A dense sequence of events take place in the linear shaded space in correspondence with the neighborhood needs. The long, narrow space promotes cross programming and is in its entirety ideal for social programs. The strategy of the line heightens the contrast between the complexity of the city, and the precision of the canopy. The first case study is 60m long and hosts a sequence of public seating, a tribune, a kiosk, a barbeque and a playground. The first prototype opened in front of the Holon Design Museum in Tel Aviv in July 2015.