how it began

Windows are an ancient technology that has been present for longer than humanity has been able to record.

What began as an invention created by putting a fist through a mud wall has evolved over hundreds of renditions to what we modern folk recognize now.

Windows have undergone many changes and technological advances – we can hardly compare a modern-day window to that of our ancestors. 

How it progressed

When window coverings began, they were typically made of animal hide stretched thin to be translucent or thinly pressed animal horn.

Sometimes a crude piece of wood or stone would suffice, not unlike a familiar ogre’s decor.

Paper is an economical and widely used material for a window covering found commonly in Asian countries in the 14th century.

It is thought that the Romans were first to use glass for Windows in 100 AD.

Nowadays we have multi pane sheet glass covered by collapsing polyester that automatically raises and lowers at the touch of a button on a Bluetooth remote.

Innovation

How many styles of Windows do you think there are? Would it  surprise you to know that there are over 40?

The double-hung, tilt ‘n’ slide, hopper, jalousie, oriel, to name a few!

Many of the old technologies have been phased out as there are simpler methods that are easier to mass produce, not to mention modern windows are more thermal efficient and  consist of more recycled materials. 

Windows all around the world!

Have you ever had the opportunity to travel overseas and see some of the old architecture?

Notre Dame in Paris, France, the Nasir ol Mulk mosque in Shiraz, Iran, The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, India, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Emirates. 

The artistic intricacy of the windows on these buildings blows my mind. 

I can not even fathom the reality of the accomplishments which make up these legendary buildings. 

How many windows do you think are built into the Nasir ol Molk Mosque? 

Fun Fact

According to Wikipedia, it takes 36 workers 3 to 4 months to wash the 24,248 windows below the top 27 tiers of the Burj Khalifa. Unmanned machinery developed in Australia cleans the top tiers.

We do not turn down many jobs… but I think we will pass on that one.