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]

  • 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.
  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.
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