Covent Gardens
Protective Canopy Structure
London’s Covent Garden is one of the capital’s finest public spaces. Agencie is designing a canopy structure to protect the character of the area as well as its 45 million+ annual visitors from overhead construction work.
Covent Garden incorporates London’s ‘theatreland’ and is a retail, dining and entertainment destination. The area covers 97 acres, much of it pedestrian. Our design creates a ‘kit of parts’. The integrating elements of the sidewalk-wide component system include gantry frames, glazed overhead surfaces, scaffolding frames, planters, street furniture, and LED lighting. Retractable units (formed of structural steel profiles and galvanized connection plates) feature an open-bay frame to resist lateral movement due to wind and seismic loads.
Whilst our engineering ensures practical protection, the architectural design complements the Edwardian Baroque heritage. Metal and glazed panels patina over time. This subdued tonality plays perfectly into the area’s timeless identity. Sustainability is inherent. Principles of the circular economy are adhered to. The gantries that offer protection during maintenance to prolong the life of existing buildings are reusable. The design minimizes disruption. To businesses and visitors. Practically and visually. It utilizes our strengths in commandeering engineering prowess with an architectural eye.
Service
- Architecture
- Structural Engineering
Location
London, UK
Team
- Andrés Cortés, RA
- Wanlapa Frey
- Julia Ratcliffe, PE
- Ali Molaei
