Covered walkways can serve a range of different functions across a host of contexts. While many people may view a canopy or fabric walkway as a luxury or unnecessary purchase, the benefits of installing a canopy or walkway often considerably outweigh initial costs. Not only do canopies look appealing and add visual dimension to a space, they can also boast functional benefits for students, employees and other users of a space. In this blog from ARC Structures, we outline the importance of covered walkways and canopies, noting their benefits and potential applications. For more articles relating to tensile structures, their uses and how they work, take a look at our blog – articles include ‘The Ultimate Guide to Tensile Structures’ and many more!
Benefits of Covered Walkways and Canopies
Aesthetic Benefit
An undoubtable advantage of covered walkways is their aesthetic appeal. Covered walkway structures are available in a wide range of styles, allowing a business, school or household to customise their design to suit existing colours and features in a space. Not only does visual appeal improve the experience of those using a space – it can also increase its appeal from the outside. In a business context, a canopy can serve as a real attention grabber that increases the curb side appeal of your business – this is perfect if your business is situated in an area with lots of passing trade.
Features such as canopies or walkways can also help accentuate other key features such as entrances and exits. So, in addition to looking appealing and maximising opportunities to make a first impression, they can also be highly beneficial when it comes to guiding guests through a space.
Shelter
Another natural feature of canopies and walkways is the shelter they offer. Whether your canopy is being used in a commercial or residential context, those around will always appreciate an opportunity to shelter from rain or harsh weather conditions. In addition to simply keeping those coming in and out of a space dry, creating designated dry paths can be a great method of limiting the amount of dirt, debris and water than enters a premises. Not only does this keep things clean and tidy, it also minimises the risk of slipping or any other associated accidents.
Increased Usable Space
Installing a covered walkway or canopy can really boost the area available to those who use a space. In contexts such as restaurants, maximising outdoor space using tensile coverings can make a real difference both in terms of number of customers that can be accommodated and total profits! Creating covered areas in your garden, school or business can also increase the frequency with which an outdoor space can be used. Without a suitable covering, outdoor areas can be unusable for large portions of the year. In addition, protective coverings can also minimise damage to any outdoor furniture.
Linkways between Buildings
If your premises contains numerous buildings, covered walkways offer connection and direction between buildings. In the event of a new guest visiting your venue, covered walkways can offer guidance when navigating from one part of your premises to another. In contexts such as restaurants or healthcare practices, where products being transported from one area to another – canopies are a helpful addition that allow employees to move around freely without risking products or goods being damaged by weather.
Where can Covered Walkways be Used?
One of the most apparent benefits of covered walkways and canopies is the diverse range of contexts they can be used in. Erecting a canopy can have design and functional benefits in both commercial and residential contexts. Well suited spaces include gardens, shop fronts, school buildings and even other professional locations.
In addition to looking appealing, canopies and covered walkways can also fulfil other functions beyond those mentioned so far. Some canopy owners may use them to support CCTV cameras or systems, as to increase their effectiveness at deterring thieves. In some contexts, a canopy may extend the reach of a CCTV camera and make it more visible to a trespasser as a deterrent – in others, a canopy may be used to conceal a camera for more discreet security coverage.
Another notable feature of canopies and walkways is their potential ability to collect rainwater. Amid times so focussed on preserving and utilising natural resources. Using a canopy to collect water can be a great way to maintain a supply of water for gardening and other miscellaneous tasks.
Canopies and outdoor walkways are particularly popular in school contexts. Not only do canopies add visual appeal and help direct children, they can also function as outdoor teaching spaces, outdoor classrooms or even outdoor canteens. Using a canopy or walkway in a functional way such not only offers excitement for students but may also offer some more unique learning opportunities at different points in the year.
Tensile Structures from ARC Structures
Here at ARC Structures, we specialise in creating innovative, visually interesting tensile fabric structures and canopies. Built to your specifications, in line with your brief and your budget. Our services take your project from start to finish including design, manufacturing, installation, project management and maintenance. So, you can have peace of mind that not only has your structure been constructed to the highest standard – It’s been made to last. To speak to one of our team about our range of products and tensile structures, get in touch today.