Intrinsic Regionalism: The Window in Architecture: Anselm Cheung Yin Ngai 2010251762

ARCH4011 Architecture and its Discourses
Anselm Cheung Yin Ngai 2010251762
Preliminary Topic and Bibliography (September 21, 2015)

Intrinsic Regionalism: The Window in Architecture
The design of windows, as an indispensable element of architecture, effectively reflects how
architecture is perceived differently by the architect and the general public across regions. This is
especially evident when windows across regions are compared and analyzed.
The design of a window is a sum of numerous factors that are rooted in the culture of the region. In
almost all cases, the construction of windows in contemporary architecture are governed by the
building authority. The dimension, material and construction of windows are stipulated by statutory
design codes, which are very much based on the climate of the region, hygiene standards, and
structural safety. The design of windows also depends on the technology available, and whether it is
cost-effective enough to be mass-produced in a particular region. The dimension and construction
of windows also reflects how the interior space is utilized. The material and color of window
frames also reflects the aesthetics of the region. Given all these parameters, windows across
different geographical domains have taken very different design principles and approaches. In
short, the design of windows reflects the technological aspects, political aspects, cultural aspects,
and economic aspects of society. Considering that the window is a key element of architecture,
through analyzing the window, the regional architectural principle can also be observed. The
window is a convenient point of departure for comparing architecture across various regions.
Kenneth Frampton put forward critical regionalism against the globalized force of standardized
construction1. As a proponent of vernacular architecture, he understands the life of the architect as a
continuous struggle between the trend of vernacular construction and the internationalized
construction. However, at the age of internet where universal proprietary building products are so
prevalent, thanks to globalized online sales platform such as Alibaba, the design of windows has
not been homogenized. Instead, there is still a vast diversity of window that are unique to the
geographical and cultural domains. Rather than following certain universal standards, architects in
a particular region seems to have an intrinsic preference of a particular type of window over the
other. The images of window are surprisingly different across distinct regions. Likewise,
architecture is perceived differently across regional domains. Instead of cautiously, consciously and
critically diversifying architecture based on regional vernacular ideas, this project suggests that
architecture NATURALLY diverges across regions and cultures, regardless of the trend of
homogeneous International Style and universal building standards.
As a point of departure, this project attempts to compare and contrast architecture in two regions:
Hong Kong (oriental) and Germany (occident) through dissecting their convention of window
constructions. Both regions vastly adopt proprietary building products, but their unique perception
of architecture has driven them to different directions. In particular, the project will closely
investigate the details and joints of windows, which are highly engineered to meet different
performance requirements. Marco Frascaris reading of the joints2 will be referenced as a lens to
analyze the underlying principle of the details of window construction.
1 Kenneth Frampton, Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance, in Hal Foster, ed.,
The Anti-Aesthetic: Essays on Post Modern Culture (Port Townsend: Bay Press, 1983), 16-30
Marco Frascari, The Tell-the-Tale Detail, VIA 7: The Building of Architecture (1984): 23-37.
ARCH4011 Architecture and its Discourses

Anselm Cheung Yin Ngai 2010251762
Figure 1: Typical Turn-and-Tilt window in

Germany
Figure 2: Typical window in Hong Kong
Shelley Hosking, Pintrest

(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/346425396312781643/)
http://yekee.com/products/aluminum-alloywindow/38.html
Bibliography
Alan Colquhoun, The Concept of Regionalism, in G.B. Nalbantoglu and C.T. Wong, eds.,
Postcolonial Space(s) (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1997), 13-23
Kenneth Frampton, Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance,
in Hal Foster, ed., The Anti-Aesthetic: Essays on Post Modern Culture (Port Townsend: Bay
Press, 1983), 16-30
Arata Isozaki, Floors and Internal Spaces in Japanese Vernacular Architecture: Phenomenology of
Floors, RES: Anthropology and Aesthetics, no.11 (Spring 1986): 54-77
Alejandro Zaera-Polo, The Hokusai Wave, Perspecta 37 (2005): 78-85
Marco Frascari, The Tell-the-Tale Detail, VIA 7: The Building of Architecture (1984): 23-37.
Alexander Tzonis and Liane Lefaivre, Why critical regionalism today?, Architecture and
Urbanism NO.236 (May 1990): 22-33

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ARCH4011 Architecture and its Discourses

Anselm Cheung Yin Ngai 2010251762

Preliminary Topic and Bibliography (September 21, 2015)

ARCH4011 Architecture and its Discourses

Figure 1: Typical Turn-and-Tilt window in

Figure 2: Typical window in Hong Kong

Shelley Hosking, Pintrest

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