MDT-tex Telescopic Umbrella

As part of Topotek1's competition-winning project of a small corner lot in Berlin-Köpenick, MDT-tex designed a large rectractable umbrella in red, matching the surface below. When open, the umbrella marks the space's use as a market, but when closed, it reverts to a parking lot.

Topotek1 viewed the market/parking lot in the Medievel center of Köpenick as a temporary installation before the site is redeveloped. The hybrid uses respond to residents' apparently unreconcilable requests to keep the existing parking and turn the square in a place for parties and markets. The existed parking lot was painted in various reds, creating a warped grid of lines that responds to size of automobiles, be they parked cars or trucks for market.

MDT's light-resistant, weatherproof PVC umbrella matches the brightest of the reds, as does the aluminum framing. The PVC fabric was manufactured with special UV pigments in its printing, so the red color will last for many years; maybe even beyond when the site is eventually redeveloped.