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

• Arcade.
• Arches.
• Cantilever.
• Cloister.
• Colonnade.
• Retable.
• Types of dome.
• Types of roof.
• Vault.