Eddie Pang
Navigation
Windows by Decade Exercise
1906
- North Gate Hall
Tectonics & Performance: All
parts in this window are made of wood except the hinges and the operable
stopping rod. The outside of the sill is splayed to shed rain
water. It works with the adjacent
slanted surface to throw light into the staircase below. (sketches)
How does it feel? The small scale of the window together with
the color of the the adjacent wooden surfaces create a warm and cozy
feeling. The position of the window high up, however, does not allow
for intimate interaction. It also faces south and intensifies heat
gain in an already poorly ventilated space.
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1911
- Durant Hall
Tectonics & Performance: This is a double hung window
with more elaborate details. Bottom of window
frame is articulated so as to reduce air change? A slanted
piece of glass (later addition?) allows window to remain slightly open
in rain? Blinds are almost half lowered over the large opening to
reduce glare on sunny days. (sketches)
How does it feel? The heaviness of the window, the resistance
and sound from the pulleys and the chains make it a pleasure/nuisance to
operate. Together with the aged condition of the wood, the window
has a nostalgic, antiquated feel.
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1924 - Haviland Hall
Tectonics & Performance: This window's tectonics are
almost identical to that in Durant Hall. It is set in a thick wall,
closer to interior surface. While it allows ample light to flood the
reading room, the heat gain at mid-day is a bit oppressive.
How does it feel? The articulation of the window frame
incorporates a small book
case underneath. Together with the generous depth of the sill on
the interior, it could be a nice place to flip through a book when not
exposed to direct sun.
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1931
- Moses Hall
Tectonics & Performance: Similar in construction to the
North Gate windows, these windows are slightly larger and have much deeper
splayed surfaces
outside.
How does it feel? The windows are well articulated as a niche
for reading and contributes to the grandeur of the reading room.
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1958
- Morrison Hall
Tectonics & Performance: These are inoperable wooden
windows bringing light filtered through the trees into the stairwell.
How does it feel? The trees directly outside the windows make
them pleasant look out of.
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1962
- Hildebrand Hall
Tectonics & Performance: This window consists of an
aluminum frame and tinted glass and is inoperable due to the building
retrofit.
How does it feel? It feels like a hole punched in the skin of
the building.
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1970
- Moffit Library
Tectonics & Performance: This is an inoperable window
with a metal frame that is fastened to non-structural concrete
posts. The big awnings protect the interior from direct south light,
while the balcony
brings in indirect light to some extent. (sketches)
How does it feel? Although the window in inoperable, its
generous size and the views it frames make it pleasant to sit and read.
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1996-Tan
Hall
Tectonics & Performance: This is an aluminum frame window
with an operable middle section. It is set halfway between massive
columns and features louvers on the outside to reduce south light. (sketches)
How does it feel? The suspended ceiling helps separate the window
niche from the circulation space, still the window does not feel
friendly. Not only does it fail to provide any interesting view, it
is also rarely open because of wind.
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