Significance of Windows in Interior Design
- Commercial Interior Design, Exterior Design, Residential Interior Design
- Windows Interior Design
- November 1, 2019
Significance of Windows in Interior Design
Windows and their treatments have a direct influence on the physical and aesthetic qualities of a space. Today, windows serve many additional functions such as providing protection from the natural elements, providing privacy, serving as a design element, adding visual excitement or view.
When selecting windows and treatments, the interior designer should consider a number of external factors such as climatic, building orientation, prevailing wind, views to the exterior, ventilation, safety factors, furniture arrangement and available wall space.
The way windows will affect solar gain, energy conservation and privacy is also a major factor. The selection of the glass for windows depend on the location use and aesthetics of the window.
Today many high rise buildings are sealed environments; that is they have non-operable windows or no windows at all. Windows serve as a complement to the interior and are selected for their function and style.
They can serve to augment a historical style or add character to both the interior and exterior windows are generalized as either fixed or operable. Fire safety concerns (access and escape) must be considered when deciding between these two types and thus helps us to understand the Significance of Windows in Interior Design
Window types
Windows serve as a complement to their interior and are selected for their function and style. They can serve to augment a historical style or add character to both the interior and exterior. Windows are generated as either fixed or operable Fire safety concerns, (access or escape) ventilation and maintenance must be considered when deciding between these two types
Fixed windows
Fixed windows do not open their purpose being to admit light, serve as an acoustical or physical barrier or provide a view. They are used when opening capability is not required such as in store windows or sealed
Fixed windows, available in a number of sizes configurations can be placed with operable unit. Round portholes windows and hexagonal, elliptic and half round shapes are popular variations that offer a contrast or can reinforce the lines of architecture.
Operable windows
Like fixed windows, operable windows are used to provide a view .Operable windows can also provide physical access, ventilation and a means of escape in an emergency. They are also positioned where acoustical privacy is necessary such as at a cashier’s position in an office, to let items or communication pass from one area to another. Operable windows can be categorized as swinging, sliding and pivotal.
Swinging, sliding and pivotal .Swinging windows include casement, awning, hopper and jalousie. Sliding windows include double hung and horizontal sliders.
Casement Windows
Casement windows swing outward or inwards like small doors. They are god for ventilation and can be easily opened with a crank push bar or handle but they can create a safety hazard when projected. Therefore, the designer should be sure that casement windows will not interfere with walkways.
Awning windows
Are hinged at the top and can either swing inward or outward. They are opened with a crank or push bar. Good ventilators ,awning windows offer protection from rain when they swing out .They are manufactured as either single units or multiple units stacked within a single frame .Awning windows like casements should be located so that they do not interfere with outdoor pedestrian traffic or indoor
Hopper windows
Hopper windows are similar to awning windows but are hinged at the bottom and swing inwards .These windows, designed for placement low on a wall or in a basement, are good for air circulation.
Jalousie windows
Jalousie windows consist of a series of horizontal slats (3 to 8 inches, or 76 to 203
Mm, wide) of glass, plastic, or wood that operate in unison. Because of their narrow size, they do not present
A safety hazard when open.
Jalousie windows are a good choice when ventilation is a major concern, since
The slats can be adjusted to control the amount of ventilation desired. However, they are somewhat difficult to clean.
Double-hung windows
Double-hung windows are the most common type of vertical sliding windows.
These windows have two glass areas, called sashes, that slide vertically up or down for ventilation. Double-hung
Windows are generally taller than they are wide and seldom warp or sag. They do not project into the interior
Space, so they do not interfere with window treatments, furniture, or traffic.
Horizontal sliding windows
Horizontal sliding windows slide on top and bottom tracks mounted inside
These windows come in a variety of sizes and consist of two or more sashes, usually only one of which
Is movable. Like double-hung windows, horizontal sliders have no projecting parts to interfere with window coverings, furniture or traffic
- Pivotal windows
Pivotal windows are similar to casement windows, but instead of side hinges they have a
Top and bottom pivot placed near the center of the window.
The glass area pivots open to allow for ventilation.
These are easy to clean and maintain, which is particularly important when the windows are located several floors above the ground
