Hexagonal window

A hexagonal window (also Melnikov's or honeycomb window)[1] is a hexagon-shaped window, resembling a bee cell or crystal lattice of graphite. The window can be vertically or horizontally oriented, openable or fixed. It can also be regular or elongately-shaped and can have a separator (mullion).

Typically, the cellular window[2] is used for an attic or as a decorative feature, but it can also be a major architectural element to provide the natural lighting inside buildings. The hexagonal window is relatively rare and associated with such architectural styles as constructivism,[3] functionalism[4] and, occasionally, cubism.

History

Attic hexagonal windows were occasionally used in the Northern European manor architecture of the 19th century. The concept became popular thanks to the Russian constructivist architect Konstantin Melnikov,[5][6] whose own famous house had 124 hexagonal windows, which were the main source of light as ceiling lights were not provided in many rooms.[7][8] Cellular windows are also a feature of the Scandinavian functionalism architecture of the 1940s–1960s and are a kind of synthesis of tradition and modernism in the architecture.

Today, hexagonal windows may be associated with honeycomb houses, a concept proposed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright[9] and explore an idea of organic architecture, which considers the nature as a main source of architectural imagination.[10][self-published source]

  • Mustonen House, 1870, Joensuu, Finland.
    Mustonen House, 1870, Joensuu, Finland.
  • Melnikov House, Moscow, Russia.
    Melnikov House, Moscow, Russia.
  • Hexagonal window with diagonal mullions, Melnikov House.
    Hexagonal window with diagonal mullions, Melnikov House.
  • Vertical chain of hexagonal windows, Finland, 1950s.
    Vertical chain of hexagonal windows, Finland, 1950s.
  • Triple cellular window in private mansion in Finland, 1960s.
    Triple cellular window in private mansion in Finland, 1960s.
  • Internal view of hexagonal window.
    Internal view of hexagonal window.
  • Hexagonal window at the right bottom part of building, Finnish functionalism.
    Hexagonal window at the right bottom part of building, Finnish functionalism.

References

  1. ^ "About the State Melnikovs Museum". muar.ru. Schusev State Museum of Architecture. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  2. ^ "Fenster kaufen" (in German). 6 October 2021.
  3. ^ Higgott, Andrew (2018-05-31). Key Modern Architects: 50 Short Histories of Modern Architecture. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4742-6506-5. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  4. ^ Schweden, Ausstellung Architektur im 20 Jahrhundert; Andersson, Thorbjörn; Architekturmuseum, Deutsches; Eriksson, Eva (1998). Sweden. Prestel. p. 126. ISBN 978-3-7913-1936-0. Retrieved 22 June 2021.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Bayer, Patricia (1992). Art Deco Architecture: Design, Decoration, and Detail from the Twenties and Thirties. H.N. Abrams. p. 23. ISBN 978-0-8109-1923-5. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  6. ^ Иконников, Андрей Владимирович (1988). Russian Architecture of the Soviet Period. Raduga Publishers. p. 134. ISBN 978-5-05-001178-7. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  7. ^ "The Modernist: House-studio of Konstantin Melnikov". The Constructivist Project. theconstructivistproject.com. August 31, 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  8. ^ Winstanley, Tim (14 June 2012). "AD Classics: Melnikov House / Konstantin Melnikov". archdaily.com. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  9. ^ "About The Hanna House". Stanford University. hannahousetours.stanford.edu. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  10. ^ Rogers, Wally (February 29, 2016). Close-Up View of Froebel's Kindergarten with Frank Lloyd Wright at the Drawing Table. Xlibris Corporation. p. 505. ISBN 978150358180-7.