The Importance of Awnings and Canopies in Walkable Places

Something as simple as an awning can make a place much more friendly to pedestrians.  In 90 degree heat the shade provided by awnings might even determine whether or not people will walk at all. The shade provided can compensate for a lack of trees in places where it might be difficult to plant them.

 

These are a few images showing how much shade a built-in canopy can make versus an attached awning and no awning at all.  Most of the buildings in the images are single story so an awning or shade canopy becomes even more important.

 

Who says palm trees don't provide shade?

Palm trees sometimes get a bumb rap, but if the right type of palm is planted correctly it can filter the sunlight nicely. And filtering the sunlight is really all that's necessary. It's not necessary to create a solid shaded canopy to make walking a pleasant experience. You just have to soften the effects of the sun.