Innovative mobile shade structures designed by Izaskun Chinchilla Architects are transforming public spaces across Colombia by providing much-needed relief from the sun in urban areas with limited natural vegetation. These unique installations, called Solar Trees, serve as multifunctional platforms that accommodate various informal activities including sitting, picnicking, and social gatherings in public squares and open spaces throughout Colombian cities.
The project was showcased at the BIAM 2025 International Art Biennial of Antioquia and Medellín as part of a broader initiative exploring remedial urbanism. This innovative approach addresses the environmental impacts of climate change through participatory and design-led interventions in urban environments. The Solar Trees are specifically designed as adaptable urban furniture that encourages users to actively engage with their surroundings by adjusting their position in response to the sun's changing movement throughout the day.
Each Solar Tree features a distinctive tree-like structure that combines natural textile fibers with lightweight structural components for optimal functionality and portability. The main framework consists of 18-millimeter radiata pine plywood panels that are precisely cut using CNC technology to ensure consistency and accuracy across all installations. Tubular floaters measuring 7 centimeters in diameter are strategically inserted through perforated upper panels to create stable and secure joints throughout the structure.
The innovative shading system incorporates outdoor fabrics, ropes, and cords that are intricately interwoven through the tubular elements to form a flexible canopy that provides effective protection from the sun. This textile-based approach not only offers practical shade but also creates an aesthetically pleasing organic form that mimics the appearance of natural tree canopies in urban environments where actual trees may be scarce.
Craftsmanship and local collaboration play integral roles in the Solar Trees project developed by Izaskun Chinchilla Architectural Studio. The textile components were carefully fabricated with assistance from local seamstresses, highlighting traditional artisanal techniques while simultaneously reinforcing neighborhood production networks. This approach ensures that the project benefits local communities economically while preserving traditional craft skills.
Each installation measures 3.29 meters in height and 3.60 meters in length, with an upper canopy that spans approximately 2.60 meters at its widest point. The structures are mounted on four swivel rubber wheels that allow them to be easily repositioned within different public spaces as needed. This mobility feature enables the installations to adapt to changing community needs and seasonal requirements for shade in various locations.
The deployment of Solar Trees across urban sites is carefully coordinated with staff from EDU (Urban Development Enterprise) and APP (Public Space and Heritage Agency), who manage the transportation and strategic placement of each unit throughout the city. This collaborative approach ensures that the installations are positioned where they can provide maximum benefit to local communities while maintaining proper safety and accessibility standards.
Through its innovative material system and emphasis on interactive use, the Solar Trees project proposes a scalable model for small-scale environmental intervention that successfully integrates ecological awareness, social participation, and adaptable urban design. The project demonstrates how creative architectural solutions can address pressing urban challenges while fostering community engagement and environmental consciousness in Colombia's rapidly developing cities.
