THE FUTURE OF FENESTRATION DESIGN

From bringing in daylight and allowing for ventilation to controlling heat gain, providing privacy and acing sustainability, windows are an integral part of a building

- SARIKA SHETTY

The openings in a building's facade or fenestrations hold profound significance as the initial interface between a structure and its surroundings. In the context of India, where diverse climates and cultures converge, vernacular fenestration systems have long epitomised functionality beyond mere aesthetics.

The Evolution

Fenestration design traces back to its sensory essence, evident in the etymology of window itself. Across cultures, windows serve as conduits for natural elements from the sweet scents of flowers in the balconies of Swiss chalets to the cool breezes of Rajasthani havelis. Moreover, vernacular fenestrations ingeniously respond to climatic conditions, such as Kerala's timber-slatted windows countering harsh sunlight and facilitating cross ventilation. Cultural nuances further influence fenestration design, as seen in Rajasthani jharokhas and Islamic mashrabiyas maintaining privacy while modulating visual access.

However, the process of globalisation has ushered in standardisation, which, in many cases, has led to the erasure of these contextual nuances from contemporary architecture. Easy access to resources and technology has also enabled this change. Finding similar-looking glass-clad buildings in all parts of the world has now become exceedingly common.

Learning from Vernacular Architecture

Cultural wisdom holds the key to designing better fenestrations. For instance, while designing the Boat Club Apartments in a hot and humid Chennai, we translated the traditional verandahs into shaded balconies that serve as a transitional space tempering the extreme weather conditions while bringing in natural light and fresh air. In the urban setting, the balconies also connect the residents with the magnificent view of the surrounding rain trees, and allow in pleasant coastal winds.