Designerprofil ZHEJIANG ZHENGTE CO.,LTD.

Red Dot: The Novara Cantilever has a consistent visual language. What was important to you in the design process?

We wanted to create a sunshade that was both durable and had a timeless aesthetic: a subtle and unobtrusive accessory for relaxing in the shade outdoors. That’s why we focused on a distinct, uniform design from top to base. Each line, surface and transition is thoughtfully conceived to ensure visual consistency. We minimised design disruptions as far as possible, integrated practical mechanisms and dispensed with any unnecessary elements. The result is both harmonious and well balanced.

To what extent did sustainability play a role in the development?

We believe that longevity and sustainability are inextricably linked, and we endeavoured to consider these aspects in relation to the product’s entire life cycle. Firstly, we reduced the number of components, because lean production means fewer potential weak points and allows us to use higher-quality materials for the parts that remain. We primarily select recycled plastic and aluminium, obtain our energy from solar power and manufacture our products in a closed water cycle.

Which detail do you personally like best?

The rotating grip on the arm of the parasol for adjusting horizontal tilt is my favourite. It’s incredibly intuitive; you know immediately how it works. It also seamlessly blends into the overall design and emphasises the minimalist aesthetic. The base is certainly the most useful feature. It solves common problems and is retailed in the same box as the parasol to save on packaging, transport costs and emissions. Both details are based on simple concepts, yet they are genuine game changers.