Windows (from old Norse vindauga = wind-eye) provide a building with natural Iighting, fresh air or ventilation, and views or contact with the outside world. Al I these make an edifice much more comfortable to Iive in besides giving the occupier a sense of orientation and time from the shadow cast and amount of lighting. The materials from which windows are constructed should imply security and also enhance the building's both internal and external aesthetics by accentuating the sol id to void areas in the facade. Climate determines the type of opening and the function of the window itself. In northern countries, in fact, they are often large to permit as much Iighting as possible inside while in desert places, where the sun blazes for most of the day, windows take much smaller proportions. Different types of elements and addenda have been deviced to shed off rain water or protect the window against the glare of the sun. These can form part of the frame, e.g., weather moulds or drip moulds, or could be part of the walI housing the window, e.g., canopies.
Windows, Construction industry -- Malta, Structural design
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