Urban areas experience increased temperatures during summer due to global warming, leading to more frequent extreme weather events. Our objective was to develop a solution to safeguard citizens from heat waves and mitigate urban heat island effects. Key priorities included enhancing citizen engagement and ensuring seamless integration with the urban environment.

This project is being carried out in collaboration with the City of Ghent.

Umbrae is an intelligent umbrella designed to open automatically at 28 degrees Celsius, boasting a 5m span. Crafted from recycled plastic, its trunk doubles as a plant holder, while rainwater is collected within the cloth canopy and stored in a concrete base for reuse. Equipped with a watering system, it nurtures the plants it hosts. This innovative concept not only provides shade for citizens but also functions as a resting spot, attracting bees and butterflies.

Umbrae is completely autonomous thanks to energy providing solar panels on top.