CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHADE STRUCTURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS (PART 1)
When choosing a shade structure for your business, it is important to consider the purpose of the project. Are you looking for a shade structure that only provides protection against sunlight and the elements? Do you want to enhance the look of your property with a visually striking shade structure? Or do you want a shade structure that does both?
Sometimes property owners select shade structures that provide a bold visual focal point, serve purely functional purposes, or complement the surrounding architecture and space:
- Shade as a focal point — If the shade is the first thing you notice when approaching a shop, restaurant, apartment complex or recreation center, it is likely due to the shape, size, pattern or color of the shade. For example, if a building has a simple design with flat, gray walls and evenly spaced square windows, yet the shade is bright yellow and contemporary in style, the building’s owners likely chose the shade to liven up the facade and draw attention to the building.
- Shade that blends in — When you’re trying to decide where to sit outdoors at a coffee shop or restaurant, you may not even notice the shades along the outer-window tops that cover the seating area. Shades that blend in with the architecture or space are great additions to an outdoor seating area. These shade structures are typically conventional in shape, modest in size and mimic the colors of the surrounding architecture.
- Shade that complements — If you’ve ever admired the symmetry and cohesive design of a large and visually arresting building, it was probably a combination of complementary colors, shapes, materials, components and scale that caught your eye. Shades can complement their surroundings in a number of ways, such as using bright, colorful shade to reflect a building with similar qualities.
Where Focal-Point Shades Are Most Suitable
Structures that provide shelter from sun are an extremely appropriate choice for stadiums, venues and recreation centers where events are the focus and public safety is of utmost concern. Not only do they protect spectators from UV rays, but also increase airflow to reduce temperatures in warmer months to make the event more enjoyable. Here are a few places that benefit from this UV and heat protection:
- Swimming pools — At swimming pools and aquatic centers, the main purpose of a shade structure is to protect visitors from the UV rays of the sun and keep visitors cool while they relax poolside.
- Athletic fields and stadiums — At outdoor athletic and standiums, the focal point is always the field. Shade structures incorporated into the stadium design keep spectators cool and safe from UV rays and protect athletes against the sun’s glare, allowing them to perform at their best.
Whether you’re looking for shade structures for schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, parking lots, outdoor athletic facilities, or nearly any other venue, our team of shade experts can recommend many different types of standard or custom shade structure styles that will help protect and enhance your business for years to come. Contact CERIA SHADE to learn more about our shade solutions and get a quote today.