December 15, 2020
by Center for Architecture and Universal Builders Supply
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.
The CanopY by Universal Builders Supply (UBS) installed at the Center for Architecture. Photo: Courtesy of UBS.

When the Center for Architecture learned that upcoming façade work at 536 LaGuardia Place would require overhead protection, we quickly thought of Universal Builders Supply (UBS). In 2017, the Center for Architecture and UBS partnered to bring the exhibition Scaffolding to life, so it was natural to team up once again to introduce the CanopY, the company’s latest innovation in overhead protection.

With the CanopY, UBS has replaced the typical metal posts, braces, and beams of standard overhead protection—which typically block visibility of the building from the street—with an open, light, and minimalist yet strong, structure.

The CanopY structure was installed in just two days, and although only just completed last week, has already been drawing the attention of passersby in Greenwich Village. For the next 7-8 months, the luminous white structure will remain in place until the façade work on 536 is completed. We are thrilled to be a part of launching such a functional yet aesthetically superior overhead protection solution.

“Our vision for the CanopY is equal parts form and function, as we realized building owners and retail establishments would greatly benefit from a more attractive yet safe solution for overhead protection during construction and maintenance projects,” says Chris Evans, President, UBS. “We appreciate the Center for Architecture for giving us the opportunity to bring it to life and prove the concept.”

For more information about the CanopY by UBS email canopy@ubs1.com or call 914-699-2400.