FOR A LONG TIME, THE SMALL VILLAGE OF PILL IN TYROL, AUSTRIA, WAS LONGING FOR A CULTURAL CENTER TO BE USED FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. IN PARTICULAR, THE LOCAL MUSIC SOCIETY, WHICH REFLECTS THE HEART OF COMMUNITY IDENTITY, WAS SEARCHING FOR AN APPROPRIATE LOCATION TO PRESENT ITS PROGRAM ON A REGULAR BASIS. BY IMPLEMENTING MDT'S ALL-WEATHER UMBRELLAS, A RELIABLE EVENT PROGRAM WAS ENSURED DURING THE SUMMER SEASON, EVEN IN RAINY CONDITIONS. INSTEAD OF USING AN UNSTRUCTURED PUBLIC SPACE, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IS NOW ABLE TO USE AN -ENCLOSED PARKING LOT, WHICH CAN BE USED IN A MANNER OF DIFFERENT WAYS TO PREMIUM EFFECT. FURTHERMORE, IT INVOLVES THE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS, SUCH AS THE CHURCH AND VICARAGE. A NEWLY ERECTED PAVILION ACTS AS A BARRIER AGAINST THE REGULAR EASTERLY WINDS AND MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO ENJOY EVENTS UNDISTURBED. AT THE SAME TIME IT PROTECTS AGAINST THE NOISE OF THE NEARBY PARKING SPACES AS WELL AS THE STREETS.

Covering an area of approximately 290 square meters, the umbrellas are used for creating shade, collecting water, and for evening events due to their inner lighting system. With this multiple-usage concept, the umbrellas benefit the local society in many ways and create a landmark. “Since its inception, making public space available to local citizens for individual use was the primary aim. Since the umbrellas were implemented, participation at local events has risen significantly and this can be considered a successful strategy”, says the local mayor. The chromatized masts of umbrellas reflect the hills and mountains und underline the interplay of nature and design.

The specially developed zips, which connect the umbrellas, are a unique feature of the double-membrane umbrellas. They aid in the precise adjustment of the umbrellas, whose aesthetics are characterized by the “razor-blade effect” – a -permanent horizontal edge. One basic safety precaution is their easy handling, which enables the operator to close the umbrellas very fast. The umbrellas are also deployed for drainage in the square. Water flows through the chrome-plated external pipe into a newly installed drain. The zips transfer the water to the lower membranes. Another opportunity to use rainwater comes by collecting it. This involves the water also being filtered, thus making it suitable for other uses.

• Chrome-plated mast reflects the environment
• Rejuvenation and utilization of the village center
• Double-membrane construction
• Mesh textile on top
• Drainage of the space operated by the umbrella
• New installation of square drainage system