Windows: your eyes in the world.
Happy July 4, 2026
Windows connect us to the outside. We have already discussed why seeing nature, is healing and soothing to people. Windows serve as your eyes in the world, offering us a unique perspective from within our homes or workplaces. They allow us to observe the outside environment, connect with nature, and witness the ever-changing scenes beyond our immediate surroundings.
I heard this story recently in Korfu, Greece.
Look at the 3 windows on the far left of the picture. The story goes, there is a young lady in this house. She has been seeing a particular young man. The top window would indicate this young lady maybe interested , the middle window suggests she is not interested and the bottom window would mean she is very interested! Windows can be part of the ever changing scene in life.
Question? Are your windows open, closed or partially open most of the time?
Can you tell I’ve been travelling? You can see some interesting windows in this Aalborg, Denmark building.
I recently visited Hadrian’s Tivoli Villa Adriana, built between AD 118-134. There are large windows in most buildings. Even Hadrian recognized the importance of adequate air flow for good health and wellness.
Many new construction sites, don’t have windows that open, something you may want to be aware of and make modifications.
This decorative stained glass Antoni Gaudi window in his 1883 Casa Vicens in Barcelona, Spain reminds us how important a window is. The stained glass is interesting but the window still opens to provide circulation of air and light while offering protection from the elements.
Imagine a time when you or a friend were having difficulties physically, limiting your ability to get around easily in your surroundings.
Windows become another pair of eyes to the outside allowing us to vicariously watch people, animals, or plants.
These blinds are flexible to allow for partial privacy or full privacy from the street. Good UD design.
The window allows us to watch the flora and fauna!
Two large windows give amazing sight lines to the outside.
There are smart solutions to opening and closing curtains, blinds etc. by using your phone. A good UD and age friendly feature for window coverings.
Digital Window by Sky Factory in Iowa.
This digital window changes from sunrise to sunset based on the time giving someone an artificial view of the outdoors. The digital window is installed in the ceiling. These windows can transform a confined interior by creating nature.
The OpenView Luminous Virtual window can also be installed in a wall creating a panoramic nature view. The cost is several thousands but studies indicate by having a “view” of nature whether real or not, can have a soothing therapeutic effect. These windows are being used in institutions for children and adults alike but I can see a use in residential situations.
Great age friendly and UD.
Seeing the seasons change outside a window provides an orientation to a person “stuck” inside.
A door can become a window if there is enough glass to let in light. The use of this large side light can be considered a window. Great UD design.
Frank Lloyd Wright always had windows on two sides of a room to not only let in lots of light but to allow for viewing. When there is adequate light (which a window can provide) one can maneuver safely and confidently in their environment.
Which windows operate (open) easily? Sliding windows and casement windows are the easiest to operate, great UD!
These casement windows using a crank or a nesting handle and are easy to operate. Casements can come with a single lever lock that secures the window. Great UD! Avoid a push out casement as this is not easy to operate.
Sliding windows require no lifting so they should glide and move easily.
Single /double hung windows are going to be the hardest to operate as they move vertically up and down. Here are 2021 recommendations on those windows:
Pella Vinyl single hung is the easiest to operate at about 3# of pressure. Apparently it has a counterbalance system that makes it easy to operate.
NT Aluminum used 5# of pressure to operate.
Pella Impervia, a fiberglass window used 5-6# of pressure to operate.
Andersen E series, an aluminum clad wood window, is around 6.5-7.5 # of pressure to operate.
I suggest you go to a show room and try it for yourself as these are general guidelines.
Gaudi window in Casa Vicens, Barcelona. The large window lets one see the outside world! The hardware on this window is such that one can lift up and open the window easily. Good UD!
Great UD/age friendly hardware.
Thoughtful landscaping: The shrubs in front of windows are far enough away from the house to not obstruct the window view.
Thoughtful landscaping: from the window you see the bird bath, annuals and low shrubs. The plantings on either side of window don’t obstruct the window view.
Optimum UD and age friendly Checklist for Windows
Windows that are easy to operate(open).
Hardware that is easy to use to open and close windows.
Use windows that open and have screens.
Consider smart options for opening and closing blinds on windows.
At least 2 walls in a room have windows.
Consider digital windows in confined rooms.
Window coverings allow for full viewing or partial viewing but not restricted viewing.
Window placement is not obstructed fully from the outside. Plant low shrubs or plant far away from the house so not to obstruct the view from the window.
This dove made a nest right outside our window!
What do you see outside your window?
