CloudRoofs

This deployable, inflatable shading system is designed to mitigate urban heat gain and create cooler environments, particularly in neighborhoods of cities such as Los Angeles. It consists of lightweight, buoyantly lifted envelopes that hover above rooftops or open landscapes, securely tethered to anchors and filled with helium or other lighter-than-air gases. Each envelope functions as a floating canopy with a reflective or diffusive underside that deflects sunlight and lowers ambient temperatures. Modular and scalable in design, the system can be deployed in arrays to form expansive artificial cloud cover—a concept previously investigated at the Critical Landscapes Design Lab. Constructed from UV-stable, heat-resistant materials, the envelopes may also include photovoltaic films to generate power for inflation, sensors, or lighting. Height and retraction are regulated through an automated tethering system responsive to weather conditions, while compact storage and wind-sensitive releases ensure safety. The concept was further developed through 3D visualization enhanced by generative AI–based rendering.