Observations of a Window Frame : About the Importance of a Forgotten Detail

Abstract: Due to the geographical location, the amount of daylight in Sweden varies greatly during the year - the lack of light is part of our everyday life. Regardless of the season, the sun’s position gives a light that seems to fall from the side, it kind of drags itself in through the windows. As a result, it is easily influenced by the surroundings. All the edges, corners and profiles that stand in the way create an endless variety of shades. Given these conditions, it is a good reason to devote time to the detailing of all the parts of a window. In this master’s project, I am directing my gaze towards the window frame and more specifically towards the framework’s profiling. By observing the shape and the color language of different profiles, the perceived contrast between light and shades is noticed and interpreted into new. Based on the qualities of the Nordic light, this project hopes to clarify and show with concrete examples why decision-making around the window frame is crucial for how we perceive the incident light. Relatively small differences in profiling create a large effect in contrasts, I find, and consequently, a more complex window profile enhances the character of the window and the incident light. This project is about looking at something specific, to observe and to explain what already is there.