The umbrella is integrated with any street lamp, and once rain is detected, its canopy automatically opens to allows passer bys to seek shelter safely and swiftly. We all heard how dangerous it is to hide under trees during thunderstorms, but what if there's a downpour and no shelter in sight? This might actually be a rather useful solution to places where downpours are sudden and frequent (like Singapore).
I can actually find no flaw in this design, other than perhaps there could be a plastic sheet like a coat stretching downwards, so if strong winds blow, occupants can still be kept dry and fresh (unless someone farts).
This would probably be more appealing and cost-effective than building shelters from point to point. Whoever designs this could even market the inner canopy as advertising space. It would definitely be a prime spot for hot beverage companies. (Imagine being caught in the rain, and under the umbrella, you look up to see a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee.)
Who knows, maybe love might even blossom between singles who gather under the canopy?
More info here: http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/06/27/shade-under-the-lampbrella/
