Roof and water
Awning
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It is a light cover of fabric stretched over a frame that gives shade in front of a facade or over an open space. Many can be retracted.
What it solves
It stops the sun before it reaches the glass and creates shade on sidewalks, windows and terraces. In the tropics it also protects from brief rain if its fabric is waterproof.
Today
An exterior awning well anchored against the wind, light in color and retractable in storms, is recommended. It should let hot air escape at the top.
Common mistake
Installing a low awning that people bump into or that collects water in pockets until it tears.
Tomorrow
In hotter streets and squares, tensioned awnings give quick shade while trees grow. They are an inexpensive public health measure in markets, bus stops and schoolyards.
Fact Exterior sun protection blocks heat much better than an interior curtain because it stops it before the glass.
Where it comes from
- 1Rome Colosseum, Rome, 1st century
The velarium was a retractable linen awning that shaded about a third of the arena and the stands. - 2Roman fleet of Misenum Italy, Antiquity
Because of their skill with sails and rigging, its sailors are believed to have set up and operated the velarium. - 3Urban retail Europe and the United States, 19th century
Cotton canvas awnings on timber or iron posts that later became retractable.
Masters
- Frei Otto Tanzbrunnen, Cologne, Germany, 1957
He tensions a star-shaped membrane with high and low points over masts to cover a dance floor. With very little material he achieves broad, light shade.
See also
Also in Roof and water
Diagrams and texts by LDB Arquitectura. They are shared under the CC BY 4.0 license, which allows them to be used and adapted with credit to the source.