AWNING – An awning is an architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity, or decoration wholly supported by the building in which it is attached. An awning is comprised of a lightweight rigid skeleton structure over which a fabric cover is attached.
Types of awnings/canopies/fabric structures:
CANOPY – A canopy, unlike an awning, is supported by not less than one stanchion at the outer end, as well as the building to which it is attached. Like an awning, it is made of fabric and can provide the same benefits and aesthetics of an awning.
RETRACTABLE AWNING – A lateral arm or retractable awning is a cantilevered awning supported entirely from a wall surface. This awning style may be retracted or folded against the wall surface in which is attached. Because it can be retracted in foul weather conditions, the retractable awning is currently not subject to live load requirements (wind, rain, snow, etc.).
TENSIONED FABRIC STRUCTURE – Fabrics under tension rather than compression. Tension structures usually have cables inserted in perimeter edges, have very little framing and are pulled into a specific shape. The most Important part in planning a tension structure is the engineering patterning to determine the exact centenary cuts required to attain a specific finished shape.
