Windows and people :

Abstract

An understanding of human requirements for windows in buildings can be developed through a survey of the literature on the reaction to environments with and without windows.Evaluation of the response to a variety of windowless situations reveals that although the attitudes toward a windowless space are often somewhat unfavorable, the most adverse reaction occurs in a small, restricted and essentially static environment.This suggests that one function performed by a window is the addition of a dynamic, active quality to an interior environment. Consideration of the response to the actual presence of windowsindicates that another essential function of a window is the provision of a view of the external world.Although almost any view is acceptable, there is some evidence that views with a high information content are preferable.In addition, windows admit illumination, in the form of daylight and sunshine which furnish a dynamic, changing character to a room.Yet, the functions of windows extend beyond view and illumination to an enhancement of the basic character of a room, such that the mere presence of a window may cause a room to appear more spacious.Finally, the optimum size and shape of a window for fulfilling these various functions is discussed.

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