Upside down pedestrians stroll on a sunlit plaza.

 

A giant canopy offers shade from the midday sun while reflecting the bright quayside.

 

Morning sun reaches under the canopy and reflected shadows shrink into the distance.

 

Intriguing and practical, the polished steel canopy, designed by British architects Foster + Partners, provides a protected events space without cluttering up the quayside.

 

The roof tapers to a fine edge but it’s more substantial than it seems.

Marseille is a city of surprises.

Click on any photo for a closer view or here for more about the canopy.