The City of Owensboro has been developing the Riverfront over the past 10 years, making it a cultural hub for tourism.
At the end of the walkway to the river is an overlook area featuring a landmark fan-shaped tensile fabric structure. Integrated atop a stage area, this dynamic structure was designed as a performance shelter.
The tensile fabric structure, with its heavy steel framework and vast canopy, was installed just on the edge of the river. To do this, Fabric Architecture’s specialist in-house Engineers engineered part of the river wall to support the structure.
In addition to engineering challenges, getting the design right was crucial. The process involved several iterations, ensuring the structure complimented the bridge in the background.
Working in coordination with the architect, the design result is a barrel vaulted canopy measuring 52’ x 28'. This custom canopy soars 33 feet above the edge of the river. Five steel masts support the cantilevered structure offering free-span space for summer concerts and activities. The vision was achieved and the iconic canopy is one of the highlights of the riverfront redevelopment.
Fabric Architecture Limited is a company of tensile fabric engineering specialists headquartered in the UK with offices in the USA and the UAE.
With thousands of installations throughout the world, the company delivers bespoke design and build fabric structures for internal and external applications, as well as offering the world’s largest range of ready-to-install tensile structures.
Architectural intent is paramount. As in nature, it’s all about balance. Fabric Architecture’s strength is the link between design and engineering to achieve the required balance. As architectural engineers, the company knows how to realise an architect’s vision with fabric.
Fabric Architecture’s mission is to create beautifully engineered tensile fabric structures, while promoting fabric as a recognized building medium.
