Windows have been an integral part of buildings for centuries. From primitive openings in walls to modern and efficient designs, windows have come a long way throughout history. In this article, we'll look at the evolution of windows on buildings, from their humble beginnings to current technology.
- The beginnings of windows:
The first known forms of windows appeared in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where small openings in walls made of clay or wood, covered with a transparent material such as parchment, were used. Their main role was to provide daylight and air with minimal impact on the internal temperature of the buildings.
- Roman windows:
Roman architecture contributed to significant advances in the development of windows. Roman houses had windows with openings that were covered with curtains or sails. This concept allowed light and air to be regulated in the rooms. Larger Roman buildings, such as amphitheatres and thermal baths, also had wide openings in the walls that served as windows.
- Medieval windows:
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the development of windows stopped for a while. Medieval buildings had small and simple windows, which were usually covered with thick bars or panes of glass, called stained glass. These stained glass windows often contained coloured glass with religious motifs and became a feature of medieval churches and cathedrals.
- Renaissance windows:
In the Renaissance, windows became an important aesthetic element in architecture. Tall and wide window openings, which often extended from floor to ceiling, allowed light to flood in and created spatially open interiors. Windows were often decorated with stone frames and had slender glass panels.
- Modern windows:
With the development of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, windows became more functional and efficient. Inventions such as mirrored glass, double glazing and balanced window systems contributed to better thermal and acoustic insulation. With the advent of modern building materials such as steel and aluminium, new types of window frames have also started to be developed.
The history of windows is an integral part of the development of architecture. From primitive openings to today's highly efficient window systems, windows have come a long way. Every historical period and culture has contributed to their evolution and innovation. Today, we can admire a wide variety of window structures and materials that provide functionality, aesthetics and energy efficiency. Windows on buildings remain an important element in architecture and have the ability to connect us to the history and evolution of our heritage.
