Joshua Tree Sun Shelter

ENV 102 – Environmental Design 2

Prof. Alexis Navarro

In this project, my goal was to create a temporary Sun Shelter that would provide much-needed shade along an existing hiking trail in Joshua Tree National Park.

My design was inspired by natural species found in Joshua Tree, including both the Jumping Cholla cactus, as well as the Tarantula Hawk wasp. I found that a common trait between the two was their use of sharpness in the way of barb and stingers, which are used to defend themselves. I took inspiration from this and incorporated sharp instances into my design to signify that this shelter is your defense against the brutal desert sun & heat.

I call this project, the Desert Shard.

Early Conceptual Designs & Inspiration