Canopy
A canopy is an overhead roof structure that has open sides. Canopies are typically intended to provide shelter from the rain or sun, but may also be used for decorative purposes, or to give emphasis to a route or part of a building.
In classical architecture, canopy was a projecting hood or cover that was suspended over an altar, statue or niche, and was commonly found in churches throughout the Middle Ages.
The canopy evolved during the Renaissance to become a baldachin, a fixed structure supported on pillars that was common in baroque architecture.
Today,canopies may be independent of other structures, or may projects out from a structure such as a building, typically providing shelter at an entrance. It may be supported by the building it is attached to, and / or ground mountings cables, stanchions or upright support posts.
Canopies typically incorporate a fabric, glass or metal covering. They may be translucent, transparent or opaque.
NB Inform Guide: Fireplaces, published by Historic Environment Scotland on 1 April 2008 and last updated on 31 August 2020 states: ‘Some fireplaces have a canopy or hood projecting from the fire surround over the hearth. These ensure that smoke travels up the chimney and help radiate heat into the room. Canopies are made in a wide range of materials such as copper, aluminium, brass or steel, and were frequently highly decorative elements.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.