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Solar-Powered Canopy with Art Deco Geometry for Enhanced Outdoor Space

Solar-Powered Canopy with Art Deco Geometry for Enhanced Outdoor Space
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An elegant aluminum and fabric structure incorporates solar panels and Art Deco design, transforming outdoor environments by providing both shade and illumination for diverse functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the umbrella structure for energy efficiency.
02
The design incorporates Art Deco geometry, enhancing aesthetic appeal in outdoor settings.
03
Weather-resistant fabric provides durability while allowing for customizable graphics.
04
LED fixtures are embedded for functional nighttime illumination, enhancing usability.
05
The aluminum frame offers both lightweight construction and robust structural integrity.

**Overview**

The Sombra Umbrella is located in an outdoor urban environment, designed to enhance communal spaces through its innovative approach to sun shading and nighttime illumination. This project reinterprets the traditional umbrella, integrating dual functionality while contextualizing its form within contemporary architectural principles. The objective is to not only serve as an effective sunshade but also to provide ambient lighting and technology integration, improving user experience in outdoor settings.

**Functional Duality and User Integration**

The design embodies a dual functionality that sets it apart from conventional umbrellas. During daylight hours, it offers effective shade, while at night, it transitions into an ambient light source powered by embedded solar panels. This feature allows users to enjoy extended outdoor gatherings, effectively combining leisure with modern technological needs such as charging devices. The structural integrity of the umbrella is maintained even when not in use, ensuring that its aesthetic appeal is preserved.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Commitment**

The Sombra Umbrella utilizes a carefully chosen palette of materials focused on durability and environmental responsibility. The structural framework is constructed from lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum, providing both resilience and longevity. The canopy is made from weather-resistant polyester and vinyl fabrics, which can be printed with various designs to enhance visual interest. Integrated LED lighting offers energy-efficient illumination, while solar panels collect energy to support nighttime functionality. This thoughtful selection of materials not only upholds aesthetic principles but also reduces the overall energy footprint, embodying a commitment to sustainable design practices.

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Enter an open architecture
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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