Bespoke Owensboro Riverfront Tourist Canopy.

The City of Owensboro in Kentucky, USA, has been redeveloping its Riverfront area over the past 10 years, with the intention of making it a local cultural hub for tourism. An eye-catching and custom-designed tensile canopy landmark was commissioned with Fabric Architecture.

The challenge.

At the end of the walkway to the river is a key viewpoint, featuring a landmark fan-shaped tensile canopy structure. Integrated atop a stage area, this dynamic fabric structure was also designed as a performance shelter.

The solution.

Working in conjunction with the project architect, the design was finalised as a barrel vault tensile canopy measuring 52’ x 28. This custom canopy soars 33 feet above the edge of the river. Five steel masts support the cantilevered structure which offers free-span space for summer concerts and activities. The nautical canopy is now considered one of the highlights of the river front redevelopment.