A new hardware startup led by MIT engineers and world-renowned origami innovators reimagines one of the most unchanged everyday objects: the umbrella. Called Ori, it features a frameless, origami-engineered design that compresses a traditional 1-meter canopy into a pocket-sized 3.5 × 23 centimeter cylinder, turning the canopy itself into the structural framework. Drawing on NASA-grade folding principles, Ori eliminates ribs, fabric, and typical failure points, creating an entirely new category of personal weather device.
Ori gold edition canopy | all images courtesy of Ori

folding architecture meets digital features

Unlike traditional umbrellas, Ori uses a patented Miura-based folding architecture that allows the canopy to become a rigid, self-supporting structure with a single degree-of-freedom motion. The umbrella opens with one actuation, and its compact form is achieved through precise crease pattern engineering and material experimentation. The team has filed four patents covering the folding system, locking mechanism, and internal core, reflecting the technical development behind the minimal exterior.

In addition to its structural approach, Ori incorporates a set of digital features within the canopy itself. A built-in display provides air-quality readings (AirSense), visual themes that adapt to mood or weather (MoodShift), customizable color palettes (Display Aura), and one-tap open/close interaction (Smart Touch). These elements introduce an interface layer to the product, combining mechanical innovation with an interactive, user-responsive surface. The first Founder Edition units are planned for 2026, marking a new chapter for an object that hasn’t changed in a century and a half.

Ori uses a patented Miura-based folding architecture

Ori silver edition canopy
Ori silver edition

the umbrella opens with one actuation

Ori blue edition canopy

Ori gold edition

Ori boasts a set of digital features within the canopy

the first units are planned for 2026

the new weather tool incorporates an interactive, user-responsive surface

the umbrella is engineered to be tiny and compact
the OLED display is easily customizable and controllable 

the built-in display provides air-quality readings, visual themes, and more

project info:

name: Ori
designer: Ori World | @oriworld.co

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom

The post meet ori: the world’s first frameless umbrella that unfolds like origami appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

It sounds tiring to hold up the umbrella all the time while it rains, so the content creator behind I Build Stuff does what his account’s name says: he builds an umbrella that flies above the user’s head and follows them around using a controller to shield them from the rain. From the get-go, it might be clear enough that a drone is used, but as soon as the content creator flips it over, the flying umbrella is packed with electronics and even 3D-printed parts that make it not only hover in the air but zip through the skies, continuously guarding the user from getting wet in the rain.

video stills courtesy of I Build Stuff, via Youtube

Carbon-fiber 3D-printed parts to make it lightweight

Lots of trial and error occurred when I Build Stuff’s one-man team took on the challenge of creating a working flying umbrella. He thought it would be as easy as just slapping propellers, installing a drone, and attaching an umbrella. He found out there were technical details he had to try out before he could make the drone-powered umbrella work. In his invention, he assembled a cross-like construction made of 3D-printed parts that poke out of the umbrella. On each end, a small propeller rotates like a hurricane, lifting up the umbrella. It also helps that these tubes are made of carbon fiber to make them lightweight enough to fly high in the air and bring the drone up with them.

the I Build Stuff creator assembled a frame made of 3D-printed parts for the flying umbrella with drone

Controlling the drone-powered flying umbrella

A flight controller and an electric stability control circuit follow next. The I Build Stuff inventor soldered the wires to the circuit which can regulate the speed of the motor so that the drone-like device doesn’t just fly off (which almost happened as seen later in the video). The circuit is programmed into the flight controller so the inventor can keep the flying umbrella stabilized as it follows people around. He also had a GPS in place in hopes of locking up the sunshade in place instead of it scurrying off out of the master’s hands. He told his viewers that it took him months to make the flying umbrella, and during its pilot flight, it worked. Until I Build Stuff took it for a second run.

the drone-powered flying umbrella has propellers that help lift it up

The second time the flying umbrella was taken to the skies and above the head, the homemade drone-powered device started drifting off as if it couldn’t wait to hop off the fence of the testing field. The I Build Stuff inventor took a day off, and the next day, the flying umbrella started shaking violently like rustled leaves. The inventor didn’t dive into how he managed to repair the system, but he assured his viewers that the flying umbrella has been stabilized. He even wrapped up the electronics with plastic wrap – which some commenters disagreed on for the fear of the device heating up and causing fire – to protect the technology from getting wet too.

the tubes are made of carbon fiber to make them lightweight enough to fly high in the air

While questions surrounding the stability of the flying umbrella still linger, the I Build Stuff inventor has made it work so far. During testing, he admitted that it wasn’t raining hard, but his homemade device was enough to protect him from the drizzle. He thought too that his flying umbrella could even withstand harsher conditions, but could be whisked away by strong gusts. While he could control the flying umbrella and force it to come to him, the device itself couldn’t do it autonomously. Moving forward, the inventor is looking into adding a camera and programming the flying umbrella so that it follows the user without needing to maneuver it with a controller.

yellow umbrella for a standout color

3D-printed tubes for the flying umbrella and its drone

the inventor says his drone-powered flying umbrella can withstand harsh conditions

testing the propeller for the flying umbrella with drone

the I Build Stuff inventor soldered the wires to the circuit which can regulate the speed of the motor

the circuit is programmed to the flight controller so the flying umbrella with drone can be stabilized

project info:

name: Flying umbrella

channel: I Build Stuff

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When one asks how designer Konstantin Grcic defines ‘function’, they may query what he means by ‘in human terms’ or the way he forms it as ‘combining formal strictness with considerable mental acuity and humor.’ But rifling through his literature, the clarification dawns on the depth of knowledge he owns, the characterization of his research in the history of art, design, and architecture that charge his passion for technology and materials. Structural and scientific, logical and by reason. The foundations of his beliefs in his craft-making process have paved the way for the creation of Paladin, a wooden parasol for domestic and public use, the recent offering of the designer to his audience, and a new collaborative design of an umbrella with Kettal in the midst of Milan Design Week 2022 (read our must-visit shows here).

images from Kettal

Paladin from Kettal

Bathed in a white palette and textile, the giant umbrella appears to float on top of the mast and plays with the tension brought by the elastic thread from the canopy, the principle of Grcic that employs mechanism and structural logic in the design. As the description of the parasol follows, the textile absorbs the tensile forces of the parasol when unfolded through the mast and four movable struts, and the mast goes right through the center of the canopy, leaving a central hole that acts as a skylight and passage for air circulation. Wooden and robust elements perforate the design elements with its natural teak and reinforced core in aluminum. The mechanical joints and fasteners in aluminum and stainless steel minimize the vibrancy in the look’s tone and rather zeroes in on the purpose of Paladin.

wooden parasol ‘paladin’ designed with a mini skylight on top

Slow living

Savoring the tropical climate or sunny weather may take a toll on one’s health from prolonged exposure to sunlight, and the entrance of Paladin sweeps its guests into its nook, sheltering them from the blistering heat while still letting them enjoy the warmth. Other than its purpose to shield the guests from the rays, Paladin’s design invokes the serene ambiance of nature and the trend of minimalistic design that carpets social media feeds. Having it in one’s home for special occasions or everyday life can adorn any space it nestles in the feeling of slow living.

inside view

wooden and robust elements perforate the design elements with its natural teak and reinforced core in aluminum

paladin in use

wooden parasol ‘paladin’ designed with a mini skylight on top

project info:

name: Paladin

designer: Konstantin Grcic

brand: Kettal

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this umbrella shines bright thanks to its built-in led lights

Japanese company Mabu has recently introduced ‘Umbrella Lantern’, an ingenious design that keeps you dry and safe on your rainy night walks. The umbrella is equipped with built-in LED lights, illuminating brightly with just the push of a button. Unlike reflective umbrellas, this product does not require light from the surroundings in order to brighten up. Therefore, it can be used even on fully empty roads with no buildings or cars.

all images courtesy of Mabu

luminous, lightweight and practical

Umbrella lantern by Mabu (see more here) can be used as a regular umbrella in the morning, and can immediately light up once it starts getting dark. Once the user presses the button on the handle, the LED lights illuminate and transmit soft light right underneath the umbrella. The light can also transmit through the fabric, helping users stay visible during low light hours and improving general visibility in the area.

 The umbrella is available in four color variations, including ‘Carmine,’ ‘Water,’ ‘Light gray,’ and ‘Midnight blue.’ Light transmission to the outside differs depending on the fabric color — light colors are easy to see through, and dark colors are less transparent. The size of the umbrella is about 102 cm in diameter and 82 cm in total length, weighing about 460 g. Since it is small and lightweight and it runs on 3 AAA batteries, the Umbrella Lantern is very practical and can be carried anywhere.

project info: 

name: Umbrella Lantern
company: Mabu
price: 3,300 Yen (about 23 Euro)

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hulasol evokes the memory of a pinwheel pirouetting against the breeze on the coast, with its color reminding the hue of the grainy sand. setting the eyes upon the top part of the umbrella, curved lines sprawl across the fabric, a reflection of zen and perfectionism through their undulating waves. the giant parasol may lull the attention of its viewers into its built, but the smart, durable, and foldable lamp transcends into a medium that calls upon features beyond its light.

designers peter mortelmans and lin bertels fleshed out the idea from amandus vanquaille’s nomad concept, which embodies membrane technology, during the five-year stint of their meticulous design process. ‘making this happen takes time, care, and expertise. for those who appreciate truly revolutionary furniture, there is no other way,’ says the designers. ‘peter handles our product development, where his passion for exploring new possibilities brings our design ideas to life. lin oversees textile confection and her strong organizational skills provide the direction for our buying and marketing. altogether, we combine our expertise and ambition to honor the excellence of belgian craft and innovation.’

images courtesy of hulasol

day and night function

a mood light by night and a sun umbrella by day, hulasol creates a breezy shade perfect for enjoying moments of serenity while its fabric cocoons its guests against harmful UV rays. when the night falls, hulasol transforms to suit the new mood, blasting gentle warm and white light, depending on the preference. accompanied by an intuitive smartphone app, the parasol-looking lamp gives users complete control over the lighting as they can program automated schedules to usher in transient lighting without the need to manually switch it.

the brand announces hulasol as a celebration of the moon and the sun. ‘hulasol brings the best of classic belgian design to the contemporary outdoor spaces you create. creatively engineered and artistically rendered, our exclusive design makes novel use of handcrafted materials to bring you luxurious comfort to cherish. whether you are entertaining guests or seeking blissful solitude, hulasol transforms your outdoor environment with truly innovative panache.’

hulasol is a sun umbrella by day

smart, creative, and foldable

hulasol’s patented folding mechanism makes a bold visual statement and challenges the traditional way of how sun umbrellas function. it folds away into a compact and organic shape with a beauty all of its own. it also offers the concept of relaxing in style. ‘create calming shade beneath azure skies or soothing illumination under the stars. whatever tranquil mood you seek from your outdoor space, hulasol’s unique versatility will surprise you. now you can enjoy your poolside, garden, or patio all year round, day or night,’ the brand writes.

created and conceived in belgium, hulasol reimagines how people interact with their surroundings. handcrafted from select materials, each umbrella creation blends artistry, technology, and functionality to create inviting and novel spaces for people to enjoy. ambient and cozy settings become a priority, the perfect catalyst for enriching people’s lives.

hulasol is an outdoor lamp by night

hulasol is designed in belgium

the design is an invitation to enjoy serenity

a sun umbrella by day and an outdoor lamp by night

project info:

name: hulasol

designers: peter mortelmans, lin bertels, amandus vanquaille

created in: belgium

The post belgium-designed hulasol is a sun umbrella by day and an outdoor lamp by night appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

all images courtesy of CRA – carlo ratti associati

the beach umbrella designed by CRA – carlo ratti associati and italo rota for sammontana, is 2.5 meters high (8.2 feet) with a diameter of 3.2 meters (10.5 feet). foldable photovoltaic panels on top of the umbrella absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, powering coolers and nebulizers underneath. the umbrella features a mini-refrigerator that allows users to keep food and drinks fresh even during the warmest of days. meanwhile, electric power from either one or multiple umbrellas can be pooled together to power a large ice-cream refrigerator. the modular system is conceived to be scalable, bringing clean energy to any beachfront resort.

the foldable photovoltaic array was developed in collaboration with harvard university professor chuck hoberman, known for developing transformable structures at the crossroads of art, architecture, and engineering. such structures allow changing an object’s shape or function through deployable, foldable, or demountable elements. drawing influence from photovoltaic systems on NASA’s spacecraft, hoberman helped structure this transformable umbrella system that combines retractable coverings, joint design, and dynamic building methods.

project info:

name: cool under the sun
design: CRA – carlo ratti associati
design team: carlo ratti, andrea cassi (project manager), matteo zerbi, luca giacolini, alessandro peretti griva, serena giardina, cra graphics team: gary di silvio, pasquale mileri, gianluca zimbardi
creative lead: italo rota
design consultancy: chuck hoberman
brand: sammontana

The post blossoming beach umbrella turns solar power into cooling + refrigeration appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

all images via makuake

available via makuake, ‘sumaho kasa’ resolves the issue of walking in the rain with an umbrella on one hand and your smartphone on the other by merging the two in a single design. specially designed for smartphone users, the umbrella features a powerful magnet holder, which allows users to turn their phone screen in various directions. the magnet holder can also be used as a smartphone stand when it’s not raining, or even as a selfie stick. the umbrella’s design makes it easy to attach and detach your phone from the holder, while users can choose from two designs: a short, folding version, or the long one, which comes with two holders. 

project info:

name: sumaho kasa

available through: makuake

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images courtesy of YOU + MORE! at felissimo 

the YOU + MORE! jellyfish umbrellas faithfully reproduce the patters of three different jellyfish species: moon jellyfish, red jellyfish and octopus jellyfish. the creation of all patterns was done together with the designers and a keeper at the kamo aquarium, resulting in umbrellas that aim to make you feel like a jellyfish on a rainy day. this feeling has been achieved through the transparency of the material and the gradation of the color that perfectly expresses the jellyfish.

‘the idea of ​​an umbrella in the image of a jellyfish has been around for a long time, but there has never been a realistic one that looks like a real jellyfish,’ comments felissimo, the japanese site where you can buy the jellyfish umbrellas. ‘the jellyfish keepers supervised the detailed parts based on the ecology, and three beautiful and realistic jellyfish umbrellas were born.’

all three umbrellas feature the color gradient and comes in three colors: blue, orange and yellow, with each featuring a different pattern. the hem of the umbrella is gently curved, somehow like a dome, resulting in a silhouette that gives great rain coverage. all three umbrellas feature a fabric made of polyethylene and the handle is made of fiberglass, adding to the overall transparency of the product.

project info:

name: jellyfish umbrellas

designer: YOU + MORE!

in collaboration with: kamo aquarium

The post these umbrellas by YOU + MORE! reproduce the beauty of jellyfish appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

israeli designer liad david thinks the real innovation when it comes to umbrella design is in redefining the relationship between the object and the user. she imagines the popular use of an easy-to-repair umbrella designed to put the shelf-life of the product in the hands of the person using it. MYU is an umbrella that allows the user to repair and change it by using simple components such as screws, rods and fabrics, which are readily accessible. 

david sees the self-repair element of a product as a starting point for a significant change in the consumption of disposable products. the MYU is designed so that an immediate replacement of damaged parts and repair is possible with minimal effort.as a result, the use time of a single umbrella can be easily lengthened, creating a long-term relationship with the user.

‘creating empathic relationships with our products will permit the extension of their shelf-lives and allow us to have a greater user experience‘, david explains. ‘repair it yourself is better for the environment, saves your money and makes us attached to our objects. the ability to ‘fix it yourself’ gives back the designers the power to extend shelf-life of products and calls’.

all other photos by tali tsour

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images courtesy of pakzu design

the mini umbrella is made from flexible rubber and can be used on most long tip umbrellas. once secured, the little rubber stopper prevents closed umbrellas from sliding whilst simultaneously collecting any loose rain drops that could accumulate on the floor. the charming accessory comes in a series of colours including warm red, light blue, cool grey, black or white.

The post the drip tip rain drainer is an umbrella designed for your umbrella appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.