Please don't use the wrong window
by: Ines.Hegedus-Garcia on October 02, 2007 09:45:54 16 comments »
You are going to think I am crazy for writing an article about the correct use of windows. But you need to know that windows are my
pet peeve. Windows are a key element in a building's architecture, and the incorrect use of a window can ruin a building's facade.
I drive around every day looking at Miami Architecture shaking my head. You see Spanish Mediterranean homes with Colonial windows, Colonial homes with casement windows, or Mid-century modern homes with single-hung windows. This drives me absolutely crazy, so instead of complaining, I'll try to explain some basics.
Vitruvius, known as the first Roman architect to have written on his field, always talked about architecture as an imitation of nature, and ultimately defined the Vitruvian Man (drawn by Leonardo da Vinci). The Vitruvian Man, represents perfect human proportions and fundamental geometric patterns of the cosmic order. I will not go into detail about the human proportions but will only tell you that the first windows were vertical in nature made to represent the human body, or better yet, were designed according to human proportions.
I have sketched a common window to show what proportions are about - notice the vertical nature of the window. Different styles of architecture call for different window proportions. And although I'm not going into detail about what type of window is appropriate for what type of architecture, my purpose is to help you "see" and discern the different proportions.
You have no idea how good it feels when friends and loved ones start noticing things that they really never paid attention to. It's great that Rick can go into a house now, with his "accountant eye" and say, "too bad they replaced the windows with the wrong type". It's a big YESSSssss in my book.
Here are 3 sketches of the same house with different types of windows - please excuse my primitive pen and inks, but I think it helps to make a point.
The house is a small scaled Mediterranean Revival typical of the 1920's in South Florida. One of the three window types is correct for the style.
Sketch "A" shows the house with a horizontal awning window,
Sketch "B" shows the house with a vertical casement window,
Sketch "C" shows the house with a colonial window.
The differences may be a bit subtle for the untrained eye, but the correct use for a Mediterranean Revival home is the casement window. If we want to go into detail, the proportion of the window lights and the placement of the muntins is also very important. But I would much rather see a plain casement without muntins, than the other 2 applications.
So what's the purpose of this blog and how does it apply to you? Start looking at windows, notice differences, that way when you are ready to replace a window in your home, you will know which type to use. Please don't ask window companies, most of them will not care what you use and which window type is appropriate; when in doubt, ask a professional. There are plenty of architects that do consulting and would be glad to answer questions. There are also historic boards throughout that may be able to help you.
If you have a question about windows, let me know......I'll try my best to answer.
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· http://www.theblogthatatemiami.comInes, I loved this! I really enjoy the articles where your arhitectural experience is used. And please don't ever apologize for your renderings. They're gorgeous! My HS advertising art teacher congratulated the class as she claimed that only 3% of the population has the ability to draw. I am not sure if the number's correct, but you definitely fall into those that can draw!
Permalink October 03, 2007 06:40:32 Ines, thank you for opening my eyes this morning. Very enjoyable read, and yes, I never pay attention to the windows, but of course, after reading this, I most likely will take a second look and ponder. I made a totally wild guess on B, just by what looked right.
Permalink October 03, 2007 09:09:00 · http://www.miamism.com/Hi Caroline - that's exactly my goal with this article - for people to notice if they have not. You do have good instincts though - you also have been exposed to incredible architecture in Europe that is REALLY historic.
Permalink October 03, 2007 10:35:22 Ines...My god! I never thought much about windows. This is so cool now I'm going to have to check out windows!
Permalink October 03, 2007 15:42:09 · http://www.miamism.com/oh the things we miss everyday - the things right in front of us that we don't see.
Permalink October 03, 2007 16:17:05 · http://jaymerton.wordpress.com/My home built in the 1860s had been remodeled in the 1880s, and again (evidence suggests) in the 1920s. The windows are not of a consistant style. All I know for certain is they are a pane to clean. :-) (sorry)
Jay
Permalink October 03, 2007 20:11:06 · http://www.miamism.com/Jay - your home must be amazing! I always encourage historic home owners to make windows a project - consistence is key and it may be about changing or refurbishing windows one facade at a time. LOL! about the play-on-words....you are too clever!
You mean to tell me you also do windows?
Permalink October 03, 2007 22:05:41 · http://FocusOnFrederick.comI use Windows XP Professional. I am not ready to make the change to Windows Vista...just too many issues with that one right now....Oh shoot....Read post first than comment.
I am impressed with your artistic skills...I never quite looked at windows like this...We don't have much variety around these parts...well at least that I noticed...Now I guess, I will be looking.
Permalink October 04, 2007 14:33:30 · http://www.miamism.com/Permalink October 04, 2007 15:47:14 · http://jaymerton.wordpress.com/Oh Good Grief Bob! Trying to one-up an old man in the bad pun department!
Ines: While I agree with you in principle, in the case of my home, leaving the window-types as they are, remember the newest ones are 87 years old, is being hisorically accurate, in the sense that they help tell the home's history. I am a member of an historic preservation organization, and everything I've done to the home was (voluntarily) submitted for approval.
The style was maintained, but the windows themselves have all been replaced.
Jay
Permalink October 04, 2007 16:50:21 · http://www.miamism.com/Personally, being an architect, I am biassed on the architectural relevance. My first choice is to preserve the original elements, if that's not possible, then replace elements with modern ones that resemble the original as much as possible (the actual material is not always necessary - since metal clad windows with the same muntin proportion are more practical).
You have just given me an idea for a post - thanks!
Permalink October 04, 2007 21:25:43 · http://www.denver-realestateonline.comLearning more about architecture has been a growing interest of mine Ines, especially after a trip to Spain this summer. I enjoy breading your blogs of this nature.
Permalink October 06, 2007 10:22:02 · http://www.denver-realestateonline.comOk, I meant readng. Not breading. Now I have added to the amusing comments I suppose.
Permalink October 06, 2007 10:23:22 · http://www.miamism.com/Permalink October 06, 2007 10:31:05 Hi, Ines! Got an enquiry. I am working in an archi office and found my colleague drawing a roll of 5 WIDE x 4 TALL windows on a new building. The new building does not neccessarily have any classical order. Looking at those windows, I just felt the proportion was not right and I told him about that. Please note that I just "felt" that and I did not have a theory in my mind (thou I believe the taller proportion like a human being standing gesture OR more horizontal proportion to emphasise the horizontality of the window/facade would be more acceptable). Then it seems he felt not listening and told me "you should not generalise the proportion problem to criticise my windows!!". I was very upset coz it simply sounds like "my design does not have problem. Don't tell me what's wrong!!". anyway, it's not the time to be upset or not. But can you tell me what is your opinion of the general proportion of a window for nowadays building? Or should there be any proportion be avoided?
Permalink July 29, 2008 13:39:18 · http://www.miamism.com/First let me thank you for commenting and posing your dilemma. Unfortunately, I cannot generalize with the very little information you have given me. I provided the history of windows above for people to understand window scales and be more sensitive to them (which you obviously got and I'm very happy for that).
The horizontal windows and picture windows started in the 50's with modern architecture - you can see how Le Corbusier would do strip windows to accentuate the horizontality of his buildings (so did Frank Lloyd Wright and other masters). But modern facades are a totally different monster because not enough architects know how to match interior and exterior design into something that ends up being pleasant not only aesthetically speaking, but also functional.
Take a look at projects your architect has done, pick out things you like and dislike and talk to them about it. Also keep in mind the cost of construction (many contractors like to use 5x4 windows because they are cheaper). Ask the architect to explain their concept and work together to obtain a final product that makes sense to both.
I hope that helps!
Ines
Permalink July 29, 2008 14:09:14This post has no comments awaiting moderation.
