clock parasol by kota nexu features a built in sundial

clock parasol by kota nexu features a built in sundial image © kota nezu

japanese designer kota nezu (b. 1969) has designed a parasol with a built in sundial to be read from underneath. one rotates the umbrella and the handle mounted compass to find magnetic north, correctly orienting the inside graphics. based on the curvature of the earth, the sun lights the umbrella from the back and is allowed to mark the approximate time.

image © kota nezu

vertical lines and numbers indicate hours on the parasol’s surface, while horizontal lines are the summer solstice, the spring / autumnal equinox and winter solstice from top to bottom. centered around the idea that people think less about the sun and its position throughout the day, this parasol allows for a moment of reflection for the viewer.

image © designboom

the parasols are made from a water-repellent and UV processed (97% of UV rays are cut, analzyed by KAKEN inc.). the outer rib made of glass fiber measures 55 cm in length. the fabric panel is composed of 65% polyether and 35% cotton.

compass detail image © designboom

image © kota nezu