A canopy can help any business or commercial building put its best foot forward. Canopy designs can be functional, protecting patrons from the weather and expanding sales floor space for temporary activities, outdoor seating, etc. and serving as a valuable marketing tool. They can also be stylish, making virtually any exterior appear more inviting.
If you’re an architect, ask yourself these ten questions to ensure you create the best possible canopy designs:
- What’s the primary purpose — brand identification, protection from the elements, advertising? Perhaps it’s purely decorative.
- Will the canopy be a permanent part of the building or used only seasonally?
- Does it need to retract or will it be static? If it’s retractable, will operation be manual or remote?
- What local restrictions apply? They could significantly affect canopy designs including materials, size, function, even colors.
- What façade requirements are needed? How will the canopy attach to the building? Is it being constructed as part of the original architectural design or is it an addition? The existing building will have to be capable of supporting the canopy’s weight, or new construction needs to incorporate sufficient support.
- Will the canopy be lit, and if so, from the front or the back?
- Will it need special graphics? To what extent?
- Will it require unique customization? Sometimes a client’s thematic artwork is integral to their branding and image and therefore must be matched exactly.
- Will it need frequent cleaning? Canopies located near heavy traffic or blowing dust should take into consideration the need for cleaning that locations on a quiet street or in a residential area.
- What’s the desired life expectancy? Quality and durability always count, but there’s no point creating canopy designs stout enough to withstand years of use if the purpose is temporary or there’s a strong likelihood graphics or other details will change in just a few years.
The best tip of all? Work hand-in-hand with a highly-regarded awning manufacturer right from the start to ensure your canopy designs are the smartest, in every sense of the word.
Photo Credit: Top 10 by Sam_Churchill
