# Swatter-Like Sun Screens The Plantae System Provides Patterned Shadows and Privacy for Outdoor Use By Amelia Roblin | Published 2012-06-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantae-system References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Plantae/2794705) & [stefanomerlo](http://www.stefanomerlo.com/plantae) Here we have an alternative to the finicky [beach umbrella](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novara). It's called the Plantae System. Each piece packs flat, lets the breeze pass through and can be easily moved about as the sun traverses the sky. Stefano Merlo's [partition concept](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arches-screen) earned him an honorable mention at the 6th International Outdoor Furniture Contest due to its economy, effectiveness and its aesthetic appeal. The collection comprises four different modules in various soft geometric shapes, stiffened by [aluminum frames](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harp-system) and webbed with patterned polypropylene screens. The rackets are cheap and simple to manufacture and the boast the benefits of being completely weatherproof. The long firm stalks of the Plantae System shades give them the appearance of two-dimensional trees. They're designed to be lodged into the ground for stability to block harsh rays to a desired spot outside. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Patterned Polypropylene Screens:** Developing new applications for polypropylene screens to create additional shading or privacy for outdoor spaces. - **Modular Outdoor Systems:** Designing modular outdoor furniture or shading systems that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and moved around for maximum flexibility and functionality. - **Two-dimensional Tree Structures:** Exploring the use of two-dimensional tree structures in outdoor furniture and shading designs to create a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Outdoor Furniture:** Manufacturing and retailing modular and easily assembled outdoor shading and furniture systems. - **Landscaping:** Creating custom outdoor spaces utilizing new patterns and materials to create desired areas of shade and privacy. - **Architecture:** Incorporating the use of two-dimensional tree structures to create unique and sustainable outdoor spaces in building designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Marine-Grade Sun Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-shibumi-shade.md) - [Light-Equipped Outdoor Sun Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/led-starry-night-sun-shade.md) - [Water-Friendly Sun Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bote-hangout-shade.md) - [Stylistic Lightweight Beach Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-swim-shady.md) - [Sturdy Heat Relief Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aliz-umbrella.md) - [Connected Dual Functioning Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hulasol.md) - [Wooden Screen Apartment Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ohlab.md) - [Large Outdoor Parasol Shades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mega-max.md) - [Contemporary Privacy Screen Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calm-system.md)