As part of a programme to revitalize the old harbour areas of the city, a canopy structure has been erected over the landing stage of the Staten Island ferry. Since the base ramp could support only small point loads and no horizontal or bending loads, the canopies were linked in groups of four in a framed, vaulted construction. The stainless-steel network branching from the stems of the individual “trees” is enclosed at the top by a square frame. The membrane spanned within this network is clamped at the top between metal plates and held at the bottom by an eye fixing. At night, the canopies are illuminated from within; but it is the sculptural effect of the structure that is accentuated rather than the membrane construction.