Article
The Window - From the 20th to the 21st century
A historical review of the construction that shaped modern building and influenced people's lives.
The window, as a structure, is one of the most important structural developments for the progress and prosperity of people in every corner of the world. To reach today, when the window is an integral part of every building construction, many stages and numerous modifications have taken place.
The first changes that shaped the modern window
The initial changes about the window come in the industrial sector. At the end of the 19th century, fire protection was becoming a priority in the design of factory facilities. Thus, the innovation of the metal window frame that meets these needs is introduced and it is installed in both new buildings and older ones, replacing the wooden frames.
It is worth noting that iron windows dominated the large installations of the period, while steel had already begun to gain ground and be widely used by 1855, thanks to the treatment proposed by Henry Bessemer.
Developments in the 20th century
At the beginning of the 20th century, developments in the construction sector enabled the extensive use of large glass surfaces and the technology of the time allowed the installation of steel-framed windows, which required minimal structural width. This type of window was particularly popular as it provided ease of construction, plenty of light in the factory areas and great durability.
In the 1910s, the window with an iron or steel frame and a glass panel divided into upper and lower parts, was prevalent in the construction of houses. The upper side of the glass usually had 4 grid squares, while the lower side had a single pane of glass.
From the 1920s onwards, the development of window and door frames has been going hand in hand with the upgrading of glazing technology. Thus, there is an increased use of glazing with smaller and smaller partitions, for both their aesthetic and practical attributes.
During the 1930's, aluminium appears in the era’s windows. It is a period when the previously dominant wood had been affected by steel, which entered dynamically in the construction of frames and then aluminium as a new "player" in the arena of materials, aspires to get a market share.
The aluminium used for the constructions of that period was much thicker than what is common today, while at the same time an effort was made to resemble either wooden or steel surfaces. The first building in which aluminium was used extensively is the iconic Empire State Building in New York, which was completed in 1931 and for 42 years held the record for the tallest skyscraper in the world.
Variety of materials and new glass technologies
Over time, developments in the field of architecture and glazing technology have led to glass panes without grids, which offer an excellent and uniform aesthetic effect, while at the same time transforming the windows into favourable gates for the entrance of natural light.
Slowlyaluminium was established in construction and dominates as the top choice of architects around the world. Its advantages are many: a 100% recyclable material, with enormous surface treatment possibilities, maximum resistance against rust and damage and at the same time lightweight.
Alongside aluminium, another material gained popularity in the window and door industry in the 1980s: the uPVC. The so-called plastic frames were attractive mainly because of their low cost, but also because of the energy efficiency that plastic provided as a material. In the following decades, aluminium frames took advantage of thermal break technologies and thus in many cases surpassed plastic and other metal frames in terms of energy efficiency.
Achievements in the construction sector have made it possible for large openings. Light in space is a prerequisite for any modern construction, and sliding windows that now serve the need for extended windows and balcony doors have become the focus of modern trends. Furthermore, the sliding windows go hand in hand with urbanisation, as they save space in city apartments.
The future of windows is here
In the 21st century, minimalism dominates architectural structures around the world. Windows become even larger and more impressive and at the same time, the width of the frame is becoming smaller. The aesthetic result acquires a special weight, while the need for top energy performance pushes the companies manufacturing frames and glazing in search of new technologies that will provide higher levels of thermal insulation, watertightness, sound insulation and protection from break-ins.
The modern window is an essential part of the home and adds character to a space. There is a wide variety of typologies and materials to choose from. The stakes, however, remain firmly the same and threefold:
- protection from weather phenomena,
- protection from would-be burglars
- plenty of light inside the building.
When all three of the above criteria are met, then we can talk about a totally successful combination of quality, safety and functionality. The window remains a timeless innovation, evolving over time and improving our lives. Time will tell what the new changes will be and how they will affect people's daily lives.
