The Bronte Park Amphitheatre structure is a multipurpose pavilion in the Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park in the Town of Oakville, a suburb of Toronto. The fabric canopy provides 1,000 sq. ft. of protection from the sun and precipitation for outdoor performances in the park. The superstructure has been designed with a series of 2,000 lb. “pick points” to suspend rented lighting trusses and audio visual equipment, while the cable screen provides an opportunity for a back drop. The two membranes overlap to form the structure and maximize rain protection while allowing light through, maintaining a bright open space and creating visual interest. The spreader beam, which supports the outstretched wings of the membranes, floats in a cable net rather than connecting to the mast. A pair of troughs, fabricated from bent plate, accumulates rain water from the two membranes and provides the tensioning boundary for the stainless steel screen. Rather than large discrete concrete footings or grade beams, the foundation is made entirely of galvanized steel. Large beams connect the mast and stays making the structure a “closed” system. - David Bowick