Ege Ozruna, Sarina Pretter, Anya Ramnani, AndrewTrinidad

Our shade structure equilibrium model is inspired by an umbrella. A solid base works as the main compressive element, grounding the system while three bundles of wires rise from it. Each bundle has three wires that stretch outward in tension, creating a canopy. The bundle holders also act in compression, pushing back against the pull of the wires to keep everything steady. Additional wires connect across the structure in tension, reinforcing the form and keeping the curves even and balanced.

We picked materials that made the structure clear and easy to read. The base gives stability and holds the compression, while the bundled wires define the shape and can be tightened to tune the form. The reinforcing wires keep the bundles from drifting apart or twisting when handled. Together, the base and holders in compression and the wire network in tension create a light, balanced structure that holds its shape like a stretched shade.