What is YOUR favorite group shade hangout structure?

[Kyanite]

Hello!

I'm sure that aspects of this topic have been explored in other threads (please link me to them if you know their whereabouts) but I thought I'd start a new topic based more on opinions. My camp is stepping it up this year and are trying to go into all out theme camp mode--RWAR! We're very excited about this, but I can see one large obstacle in our way: we need a cool (as in coldish) place to chill during the day. I have taken on this task as my own, so I was hoping that some of you might share your opinions about what the best shade structures are for large groups.

Last year we had a shaded area that was comprised of multiple canopies and carports zip tided together. It worked, but there was no breeze and it was still pretty damn hot (I guess it always will be). I also built a hexayurt last year and will be bringing it along this year as well, but I'm thinking that will be more of my own space, and not a communal gathering area. I'd also like to have something a bit more open.

Some info:
Our camp is going to be centered around comfort and "cuddling". Pillows, carpets, and soft blankies a plenty!
It needs to fit at least 20 people
It needs to have some sort of air flow
I'd like it to look pretty sweet too, if we can (I'm sure we can).

The best sleep I had a Burning Man last year was at Heebie Jeebies Camp. It seemed like their shade structure was mostly fabric sewn together and draped over support beams, but man did the breeze just flow right through that camp, whooooo nelly! So nice. So if anyone knows anything about Heebie Jeebie's set up, or anything similar, please let me know!

Thanks for your time and opinions! Happy planning!

[danibel]

We have two pyramids. They are made of shade cloth and have a single steel pole that goes up the middle.The shade cloth are connected with zip ties and what not. The width is made by pounding rebar and pulling the shade cloth out. The first picture is from the outside and the second is a shot from the inside to show you what the view looks like if you are under it. We have a camp of 30-40 and one half is set up as the communal kitchen, the other half has a table made for the middle, and chairs. It got quite crowded last year with 40 people in camp. It's a homemade structure.

I bought a Black Rock City Shade Structure last year for my van. It's an EMT pole and silver tarp, flat roof thing. Super easy to put up and extendable. I will consider buying an extension this year, as It would be nice to park my whole van under it. Sorry I can't find a picture of it, but the single one is enough shade for about 4-5 people in the day. You can do a search on the interwebs and find pictures/more info. They usually sell them in the spring/summer. Sold by Black Rock City Hardware I believe. Good people.

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[geoffgn]

Our tensile tent shade structure at Mohammeds Mini Martini and Erotica camp is the best thing ever. It is from South Africa at http://www.freeformtents.com. We have had it for 6 years and it is super easy to set up and bulletproof in any wind storm. I have never found anything better in my 14 years at Burning Man