It shows sensitivity to architecture if the windows are given the necessary attention. The facade is the face, the windows are the eyes of a house. Every building alteration changes the design effect. Unfortunately there are many examples of unsuccessful and very rough interventions in architecturally valuable buildings. In the old town of Passau, many streets are still "intact". In the photo you can see that the old box windows are still there, certainly they have also been replaced - apparently with an awareness of the connection between material, shape and function. Box windows are characterized by two window frames, each with their own glass surface, installed with a box-like construction (hence the name). The sound and heat insulating properties are very good. They are quite comparable to modern standards. It should be emphasized that in this case the original construction was retained: no plastic imitations, but wooden frames in solid craftsmanship. The internal division (glazing bars) of the windows is important. Proportion and material thickness are decisive. The construction variant is beautiful, in which the outer window casements can be opened to the outside. Then the optical charm of box windows can develop particularly well. A disadvantage is that the glass surfaces of the exterior windows are more difficult to clean. However, the aesthetic quality is very convincing.
The wall surfaces let the manual plastering feel, nothing is really straight and therefore lively in its effect. Details such as the water collector under the roof edge and the leading of the downpipes also fit into the overall effect.
These houses have kept their dignity. An example of successful old town conservation.
Fascinating image, I spent ages looking at it, so many things to look at and think about. And thank you so much for the information, it helped to add a great deal more meaning to the image. So good the orginal spirit of the architecture has been observed.
So nice to read your narrative. This building is an architectural gem. It is always wonderful when a building’s architectural style is preserved and maintained through the years. The open window box shadows are lovely.
Well spotted with so many windows open at similar angles. I enjoyed
your narrative about the architecture. I have multi-pained windows with the mullions and they are hard to clean!
@jaywoods No, I'm not a professional photographer. But I have dealt with photography and principles of design for a long time. Photography is part of my job. I am a teacher of art and design.
@redy4et Yes, partitioned windows are more difficult to clean than single-pane windows.
I am not opposed to single-pane windows. But the inner division of the windows in the old town area is a very important design element. The cultural value should be recognized accordingly. Insensitive changes to the windows of an old town facade can impair them very much.
Thank you for taking so much time for the photo, dear friend.
If you want, I can send you a study of an old town ensemble in my home town. I took a closer look at the analysis of the facade design in the old town.
your narrative about the architecture. I have multi-pained windows with the mullions and they are hard to clean!
I am not opposed to single-pane windows. But the inner division of the windows in the old town area is a very important design element. The cultural value should be recognized accordingly. Insensitive changes to the windows of an old town facade can impair them very much.
If you want, I can send you a study of an old town ensemble in my home town. I took a closer look at the analysis of the facade design in the old town.
Thank you for your kind interest!
Much could be said about the design qualities of old town facades. When I enter an old town area, I am very interested in how the old architects planned the houses; what ideas they had for a design connection in the individual facade and in the facade ensemble. Unfortunately, "modern" building alteration in many cities have visually destroyed valuable structures. Unfortunately, there is often a lack of feeling and knowledge about the designed form.