sunshades shaped like bird wings can withstand typhoons and harsh weather in seoul

"Seoul Wing by BKID is a series of installative sunshades for parks that can withstand typhoons and harsh weather. Formed with a sloping roof, the bird-wing-shaped structures are made from polyurethane mesh, giving them a lightweight and robust design. Seoul's summers are humid, and at times, the country experiences sudden storms and seasonal typhoons. Traditional parasols and tents break under strong winds, so BKID reframes these through the lens of biomimicry because in nature, wings can withstand air by being flexible and distributing force."

"The mesh as the primary material lessens the wind load because air passes through, so during high winds, the installative Seoul Wing sunshades don't resist. Polyurethane mesh also keeps the system light enough to be assembled and transported, and its exposure to rain, humidity, and UV light doesn't degrade its surface immediately. For the design of the structures, the BKID team chooses a canopy-like form to shelter groups of ten or more instead of just a couple of people."

"Under the installative sunshades of the Seoul Wing, families can gather for picnics, and because of the form's extended span, they create fields of shade to (temporarily) protect them from harsh weather. Visually, the canopy introduces a kinetic silhouette to the landscape, with its curved surfaces and tensile lines contrasting the greenery. More than a shelter, the installative shades Seoul Wing rethink how shade is provided in dense urban contexts, where perhaps trees and other greenery are slowly being reduced."

Seoul Wing is a series of installative, bird-wing-shaped sunshades for parks formed with a sloping roof and made from polyurethane mesh. The mesh allows air to pass through, lessening wind load so the structures do not resist high winds and can withstand typhoons. Polyurethane keeps the system lightweight for assembly and transport, and resists immediate degradation from rain, humidity, and UV exposure. The canopy-like spans shelter groups of ten or more, creating fields of shade for picnics and temporary protection from harsh weather. The curved, tensile silhouettes contrast greenery and offer a rethought approach to shade in dense urban contexts. Installations include Battleship Park, Botanic Park, and the Olympic Park dog playground in Seoul.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine