The devil is in the details

If we look at it chronologically, this theme should actually be called drop-down and articulated arms, because drop-down screens were around before articulated arms. Logical, of course, because a drop-down screen is a very simple concept, while an articulated arm is quite an ingenious thing, not least because these arms have to withstand great forces. Incidentally, both types of screens have shown few spectacular developments in recent years: the devil is in the details.

The principle of the drop screen is actually quite simple. In the past, even wooden frames were used that could fold down to move the awning into position. Later, metal frames came into vogue. Initially, they were probably made by the carpenter or blacksmith. 

Awning builders always say that the awning is the oldest awning. This, of course, is because of its nostalgic look. But if you look at the awnings in old photographs from the late nineteenth or early part of the last century, you will see mostly drop-down screens. (And outdoor blinds, there used to be a lot more of those than today, too!) The articulated awning came much later. After all, the arms were not easily made. The blacksmith couldn't just invent them, let alone make them. 

Drop-down and articulated awnings have actually changed relatively little over the last few decades. The devil is in the details: better materials, sturdier construction, better cloths, motorization and more comfortable operation. The examples are in this issue, such as Winsol's advanced articulated arms and AVZ-Group's versatile Oliva, as well as Warema's freestanding awning frame for shade with articulated awnings "on site," or the markilux 900, the first articulated awning designed as a clamping system for balconies. Surely these are nice details!