Windows Opened explores the fascinating history of glass windows, revealing their profound influence on architecture and interior design. From rudimentary openings to advanced glazing systems, the book traces the evolution of windows and their impact on our built environment. Windows are not merely functional components but cultural artifacts, fundamentally altering how we experience interior and exterior spaces. One intriguing fact is that the development of glassmaking techniques significantly impacted building practices across various periods, including their use in Roman villas and medieval cathedrals.
The book examines the integration of windows into architectural designs across different eras and cultures and the consequences of glazed apertures on interior environments and human behavior. By drawing from diverse sources like archaeological findings and historical documents, Windows Opened provides a chronological account of window development.
The book also touches on related fields like environmental science, examining the environmental consequences of window design in terms of energy consumption. This integrated approach, combining technological, architectural, and social perspectives, distinguishes the book, appealing to architects, historians, designers, and anyone curious about the built environment. The book begins by tracing the origins of glassmaking and its initial applications and progresses through distinct historical periods, ending with a discussion of contemporary window technology and sustainable architecture.
Readers gain insights into how window design has evolved alongside materials science and societal attitudes toward light, privacy, and ventilation. This exploration highlights the vital role of window design in shaping our built world.