Jo Angell / Solar Sanctuary

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Research Question

How far can a canopy in an outdoor space encourage people to seek refuge from the sun's harmful UV rays?

Design Rationale:

Can textures and patterns designed to supply shade, which are also visually stimulating, encourage people to stay out of direct sunlight? Rising cases of skin cancer has created a need to encourage people out of the sun's harmful UV rays. Currently, shade structures, besides those as built permanent structures, include tensile awnings, umbrellas, tents, arbors and trellisses. These all create the desired effect - shade, but often lack a decorative or interesting aspect. The canopies modular nature means they can be grown or shrunk to fit the desired space, resulting in an economical use of materials. With shapes and printed pattern inspired by microsopic views of nature, I want people to experience a subliminal link to nature, as well as a feeling of wellbeing when they find themselves under the canopy.

Aims of the project:

To create a canopy for an outdoor space which will spark interest and attract people towards it. Once underneath it, interior patterns, and visually stimulating aspects will be interesting enough to hold the viewer's attention, hold them there and keep them out of the sun.

Materials & Technologies:

Cork, birch ply, sailcloth, polyproplene. Inkjet and silkscreen print, laser-cutting and foiling.

Key words:

Modular, textural, sculptural, playful, nature, microscopic imagery.

Intended design outcomes:

Public parks, children's play areas, hospital grounds, private gardens, outdoor events or festivals, entrances to buildings, urban settings where people might sit outside having lunch, cafes, public areas outside museums and galleries. Additionally, glass covered structures lacking shade.

Other Projects

• Philips Sustainable Habitat Project
• Graham & Brown Wallpaper Project
• Cork - Innovative Textures

Biography

I have returned to study in order to explore a love of materials, texture and craft, combined with an interest in environmental issues. Before embarking on this course, I worked as a graphic designer, specialising in posters and publicity material for dance companies, theatres & films.

Whilst studying for the MA I have become intrigued by the potential of biomimicry. I am interested in exploring naturally-occurring patterns such as those found on fish scales or at a microscopic level on butterfly wings.

Contact

feel free to contact me at: textilefutures@joangell.com

Mobile: + 44 (0) 7769 943295