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.

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[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

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