Designing Shade by the Sea
Designing Shade by the Sea
Along the open beaches of the Mediterranean, shade is never secondary.
It is part of the landscape.
The intensity of the sun defines the rhythm of the day. Mornings begin in soft light, but by midday the brightness becomes direct and constant. Open coastlines offer little natural protection. Space is wide, the horizon uninterrupted.
Creating shade becomes essential.
Traditionally, this has been solved in simple ways. Fabric stretched between structures. Natural materials placed lightly within the sand. Temporary solutions that respond to wind, light and movement rather than resisting them.
The intention is never permanence.
Shade on the beach must remain flexible. It shifts throughout the day, following the position of the sun. It adapts to changing conditions — wind increasing, light softening, temperatures falling towards evening.
This approach reflects a broader principle of Mediterranean living.
Objects are not fixed. They exist in relation to their environment. Light structures, minimal forms and natural materials allow them to integrate quietly into the landscape.
The design of shade follows the same idea.
Rather than creating enclosed spaces, it defines open areas. It provides protection without separating from the surroundings. Air continues to move. Light remains present, but softened.
It was within this context that 07021 was developed.
Observing long days on the beaches of Sardinia revealed a clear need for shade that is both stable and adaptable. Traditional solutions often require fixed installation or lack resistance to wind.
The intention was to create something different.
A structure that can be placed freely on open sand. Lightweight, yet stable. Easy to transport and quick to assemble. Designed to provide consistent shade throughout the day without interrupting the landscape.
Natural materials play an essential role.
They respond to heat, light and use in a way that synthetic materials often do not. Over time, they develop a subtle patina, becoming part of their surroundings rather than remaining separate from them.
In this way, shade becomes more than a function.
It becomes part of the experience of the beach — defining space, shaping time and allowing long hours by the sea to unfold more slowly.
Designing shade by the sea is not about creating shelter from the environment.
It is about understanding it.