Paddo Parasol

Paddo Parasol

Paddo Parasol is an innovative outdoor shading solution that reimagines the traditional parasol through a whimsical, fairy-tale inspired design aesthetic. Created by Belgian designers Lieven Musschoot and Mathias Hennebel, this distinctive parasol takes the form of an oversized mushroom, deliberately playing with scale to evoke childhood memories and fantastical storytelling. The design, which won the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in the Street and City Furniture Design category, features a unique dual-fabric construction combining symacryl acrylic for the main canopy and polyester gids (tracks) underneath, creating an ethereal effect as the lower fabric moves in the breeze. The structural framework consists of a robust 30mm diameter stainless steel inox pole with a transparent coating and eight powder-coated steel ribs, ensuring durability and stability. Available in three different sizes - 190cm, 245cm, and 300cm in diameter - the Paddo Parasol seamlessly merges functional outdoor protection with artistic expression. The semi-automatic opening mechanism requires minimal effort, with just a final push needed to secure the parasol in place. The design successfully overcomes the technical challenge of joining different fabric types without creating external wrinkles, resulting in a smooth, professional finish. This innovative street furniture piece, conceived in Bruges and debuted at Maison et Objet in Paris, represents a significant advancement in parasol design, combining practical functionality with imaginative design elements that transform ordinary outdoor spaces into enchanting environments.

outdoor furniture design, fairy-tale inspired parasol, innovative shading solution, mushroom-shaped umbrella, street furniture, architectural shade structure

— Adam Dawson