plywood and fabric solar tree installations offer shade in colombia's urban open spaces

Solar Trees Provide Shaded Gathering Points in City Spaces

Solar Trees by Izaskun Chinchilla Architects introduces mobile installations positioned in public squares and open spaces in Colombia with limited vegetation. Each unit provides a shaded, multifunctional platform that can accommodate informal activities such as sitting, picnicking, and social gatherings. Designed as adaptable urban furniture, the structures encourage users to engage with their environment, adjusting their position in response to the changing movement of the sun throughout the day. The project, showcased BIAM 2025 – International Art Biennial of Antioquia and Medellín, is part of a broader initiative exploring remedial urbanism. This approach addresses the environmental impacts of climate change through participatory and design-led interventions in the urban realm.

The design centers on a tree-like structure combining natural textile fibers with lightweight structural components. The main frame is composed of 18 mm radiata pine plywood panels cut using CNC technology for precision and consistency. Tubular floaters, 7 cm in diameter, are inserted through perforated upper panels to create stable joints. Outdoor fabrics, ropes, and cords are interwoven through the tubular elements, forming a flexible shading canopy.

all images courtesy of Izaskun Chinchilla Architects

Craft and Mobility Define Izaskun Chinchilla’s Solar Trees

Craftsmanship and local collaboration are integral to the project by Izaskun Chinchilla Architectural Studio. The textile components were fabricated with the help of a local seamstress, highlighting artisanal techniques and reinforcing neighborhood production networks. Measuring 3.29 meters in height and 3.60 meters in length, each structure spans approximately 2.60 meters at its upper canopy. The installation is mounted on four swivel rubber wheels, allowing it to be easily repositioned within different public spaces. Deployment across urban sites is coordinated with staff from EDU and APP, who manage the transport and placement of each unit. Through its material system and interactive use, Solar Trees proposes a scalable model for small-scale environmental intervention, one that integrates ecological awareness, social participation, and adaptable urban design.

Solar Trees by Izaskun Chinchilla Architects brings mobile shade structures to urban open spaces

each installation offers a multifunctional platform for rest, play, and social interaction

the project introduces adaptable urban furniture for squares with little vegetation

Solar Trees encourages public engagement with environmental processes

the design features a lightweight, tree-like framework made of natural textile fibers

structural panels are CNC-cut from 18 mm radiata pine plywood for precision and consistency

tubular floaters connect through perforated panels to ensure structural stability

four swivel rubber wheels allow the units to move freely across public spaces

users can move and reorient the structures with the sun’s path throughout the day

the canopy filters sunlight, producing a pattern of shifting shade and openness

outdoor fabrics, ropes, and cords create a flexible, responsive canopy overhead

the project forms part of a broader exploration of remedial urbanism

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axonometric drawing

axonometric drawing

plans

project info:

name: Solar Trees

architects: Izaskun Chinchilla Architects | @izaskunchinchillaarchitects

event: BIAM 2025 – International Art Biennial of Antioquia and Medellín

location: Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom