The city of Whangarei, New Zealand has recently installed canopies above the Market Bridge where residents of the town will be able to walk, talk, and dine while taking in the beauty of the area. On Saturdays local merchants set up on the bridge to sell handcrafts and art to those passing by. While the residents of Whangarei were able to access the bridge prior the installation of the canopies people are now able to relax in the shade instead of beneath the beaming sun, reported The Northern Advocate.

But the canopy was not the only addition to the Market Bridge:

“The combination of the Paint it Red glow of the Market Bridge, the new Hub transport centre and Art Museum, and palm trees which have sprouted at full height has given Whangarei a spruced-up and progressive appearance before the Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday.

Mayor Morris Cutforth met about 50 citizens taking in the new sights when he and his wife Jill took a walk there on Sunday.”

While all of these additions are wonderful and are sure to draw people to Whangarei the canopy is going to draw something else in: an award. “The Market Bridge is expected to pick up an award in a competition run by the Lightweight Structures Association of Australasia.”

The Market Bridge canopy was one of three canopies built by Fabric Structure System, but the one located in Whangarei is “technically unusual” said Fabric Structure System co-owner, Warwick Bell. “It’s an architectural award winner for us,” Mr Bell predicted.

It is apparent that canopies are gaining popularity in New Zealand, but are other parts of the world following suit? If you follow our blog regularly you have probably read about similar countries popping up in other countries but the canopy in Whangarei is quite unique in its shape and because of the materials it is made of. As time passes canopy technology will advance and we are sure to see a plethora of other types of canopies popping up.