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Assignment #6: Windows by Decade Exercise
1875
- South Hall
1917 - Hilgard Hall
1929 - A&E Building
1931 - Moses Hall
1949 - Bancroft Library
1958 - Morrison Hall
1964 - Pimentel Hall
1990 - Koshland Hall
Building
South Hall
Completion Date: 1875
How is Window Made? These are large single pane, clear
windows with metal sash and frame. Lower section is an operable
projected awning. Inside there are large transom lights above the
office doors.
How does it feel? These windows are grand and
celebrated. The arc at the top and the ornate trim on both exterior
and interior give the windows a ceremonial feel. The dark trim and
interior finished cause high glare from contrast which may have added to
the feeling of grandeur. Large sills in classrooms are attractive to
sit on.
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Building:
Hilgard Hall
Completion Date: 1917
How is Window Made? Large, wood frame, single pane clear,
glass with wood mullions. Lower section is vertical sliding for
ventilation. All windows have a retrofit Plexiglas shield covering
the bottom 1 ft. This is intended either as a wind catcher or for
security. Window extends to the ceiling.
How does it feel? Glass panes are nice size to frame
the view. If there were no mullions the window would be excessively
big. I don't feel encouraged to open the window due to its huge size
and heavy frame. West facade has a lot of glare which most occupants
control with blinds. Unfortunately this reduced the available
daylight up high where it is most important.
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Building:
A&E Building
Completion Date: 1929
How is Window Made? Metal frame, single pane, divided into 3
operable sections. Some glass has wire mesh, but not all.
How does it feel? Windows feel a little small, probably
because most of the blinds are half closed. I like that there are 3
separate, smaller, operable sections. These are easier to operate
and offer more options than the windows at Hilgard. Wire mesh adds
nice decorative feel and matches the feel of the metal frames and
hardware.
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Building:
Moses Hall
Completion Date: 1931
How is Window Made? Steel frame with 1 ft. square
panes. The glass is single pane and clear. All sections are
operable. Office doors all have transom lights that have been
covered. Retrofit drop ceilings cover the top foot of the windows!
How does it feel? Glass all the way to the ceiling gives nice
penetration of daylight. Thin muntins painted white are easy to look
through and make up for the small panes.
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Building:
Bancroft Library
Completion Date: 1949
How is Window Made? Bare aluminum frames with clear single
pane glass. These may have been retrofit since 1949. The lower
section is hung and slides for ventilation. Interior blinds are both
wood and cheap Venetian in different places. The frames are all dark
wood contrasted with thick light colored granite walls. The glass
pane size is the same as nearby South Hall.
How does it feel? The silver aluminum frames look dark
against the bright sky. Thick walls and the wooden blinds provide a
mellow diffuse ambient light that feels perfect for a library.
Wooden blinds block a lot of window area because they don't easily open
all the way.
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Building:
Morrison Hall
Completion Date: 1958
How is Window Made? Thick painted wood frame with no
muntins. Casements swing out. Windows are set in the interior
half of 1.5' thick walls.
How does it feel? Dark painted frames make uncomfortable
contrast. Large glass and tall window provide good visual connection
to outside and good spread of daylight. Mature exterior vegetation
contributes to the mellow daylight quality. Window spacing it too
far apart leaving an uncomfortable amount of solid wall in between.
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Building:
Pimentel
Completion Date: 1964
How is Window Made? Aluminum frame is thin except for around
doors which need the extra support. Glass is continuous and
clear. Window is sash less, connected directly to the massive wall.
How does it feel? Minimalist window frame provides strong
emphasis for mass of wall which becomes a good daylight reflector.
Black frames and rubber gasket are ugly and out of place. Large door
frame conflicts with thin upper window.
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Building:
Koshland
Completion Date: 1990
How is Window Made? Thick aluminum frames around single pane
clear glass. One window in center is operable. Windows are
extremely dirty, similar to the rest of campus. Window at end of
halls are flush to wall and ceiling, providing good, low contrast
daylight. Stairwell is lit by large skylight.
How does it feel? Frames feel bulky and green paint make
glass look like it is tinted green. Small operable feels
inaccessible (outward swing) and too small for real ventilation
control. Daylit stairwell is inviting and encourages you to venture
skyward.
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