For anyone who’s been around the world, there are some stunning examples of architectural windows in all corners of the planet. Each country and culture has their own, unique take on architecture, giving different perspectives on creation, art and building. Here are some of the most stunning examples of architectural windows we’ve come across.
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Japan
Even though this window may be an old-fashioned example of Eastern architecture, a resident of the West may perceive it as a more modern design. The window dates back hundreds of years, and uses simple rectangular shapes to create a beautiful display of Japanese architecture in history.
Adding a window like this in your home could add just a little touch of the East.
Metropolitan Church, Toronto
As for Western architecture, historic structures are traditionally more rounded around the tops. If this photo looks familiar, then that’s because it’s an original design for the Metropolitan Church in Toronto. This much intricacy and ornamental work is rarely seen and one can’t help but be shocked by its artistry. The glass in the windows is original Tiffany stained glass. During the early days of Toronto, the once small community grew nearly too fast for it to handle, and to accommodate the flood of new churchgoers, the Metropolitan Church was designed and constructed to handle 2,400 people during the holidays.
The BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building
This architectural marvel is a part of the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York. The building and this incredible feat of architecture was built in 1908, but underwent the construction of new canopies in 2008. Less than half of this structure is window, but it’s hard to deny the exquisite pillars and use of green and gold.
The Queen’s Room
Who could certainly forget the Queen’s very own room when investigating architectural marvels around the world. The windows themselves may seem unspectacular compared to the previous structures, but there is something to be said for their naked authenticity. Especially those untouched shudders that call all the way the Middle Ages. Worth a pretty penny, those windows are.
Palacio Nacional de Pena
While we’re roaming around the European Union, we might as well make a pit stop in Portugal. The Palacio Nacional de Pena, the Pena National Palace in Portugal, is home to architecture you will see nowhere else in the world. The fellow depicted on the bottom of the window is a representation of a newt, a part of a creation story. The site was built as a chapel, approximately around the year 1493, and it still stands there preserved today with some of the most stunning architecture seen anywhere.
Hauenschilds Palace in the Czech Republic
Incredibly, this windows goes all the way to 1593, when the building was constructed for the Hauenschilds. Created in the Renaissance style, this window juts out of the corner of the building. Even if it didn’t its design would still make it stand out against the white of the rest of the building. Amazingly, Mozart was known to have stayed in this building and likely looked out this very window.
The Singer Building in Russia
Coming full circle, we will end this journey in mother Russia. This architectural wonder, commonly known in Russian as ‘the house of books’, is home to some of the greatest window architecture. The grey and pale green stone against the oak in the windows creates a vibrant, life-filled structure. Four stone angels are positioned around the structure. When the building was constructed, they had to take care not to build it bigger than the official palace, so the architect used perspective to make it look as tall as he could without overshadowing the palace.
When we look around the globe, there are examples of incredible architecture all over. Some of them we are familiar with and others are brand new to us. For hundreds of years, royalty, builders and amazed onlookers have wondered at structures that attempt to reach the heavens. Modern windows installation and architecture can take inspiration from these ravishing architecture models of the past.
No matter what part of the planet we are on, buildings that have challenged our own ideas of what is possible have been an expression of our culture, our heritage and even our soul. Some of us define ourselves by the buildings we surround ourselves with, and certainly we can become inspired and even change the way we interact with the world by the simple look of a building. People will always be enamoured by incredible window architecture.
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- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
Gina Brewton has been in the home improvement industry for past 7 years. She is presently working in a reputed residential cleaning company in Toronto. She is also a part time interior designer. She loves cooking, photography, craft and painting. Follow her on twitter@ginabrewton.