Amazing Views! – Glimpses of Some of the World’s Most Beautiful Windows
Apr 02, 2024
Windows are Our Passion
It’s true: We have a thing for windows at McCann Window & Exteriors. Can you blame us? Beautiful windows are what we do. They’re our passion.
This month, I wanted to share with you a few of what I think are some of the world’s great windows. Each one shows incredible creativity. And I think each proves the power of windows to beautify a space and change your experience of it. They prove that windows are for so much more than just looking through!
La Sainte-Chappelle – Paris, France
I believe stained glass windows are gorgeous under any circumstances. But these are some of the most beautiful stained glass windows ever. What’s amazing is how much glass is in this chapel and how little stone structure is holding it up. The effect is incredibly delicate, but the windows are more than 750 years old and have survived several wars. So let’s hear it for the strength and durability of glass! Also, I take off my hat to the architect of Sainte-Chappelle. No one knows who he was, but anyone who thought windows were that important is a guy after my own heart.
Glory Window, Thanks-giving Square Chapel – Dallas, Texas
This time of year, I like anything having to do with Thanksgiving and gratitude. But the design of this Glory Window knocks me out. It’s in the shape of a chambered nautilus, which is the seashell home of an upscale squid. I love how the design of this window draws your eyes and your attention ever higher and further in. Also, I’m a fan of perfectly executed custom window installations—and this is definitely that.
Philip Johnson’s Glass House – New Canaan, Connecticut
Definitely not a home for the shy. Even for me, this is a lot of windows. Philip Johnson was one of this country’s leading architects and he designed the Glass House as his personal residence back in 1949. It’s now part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so you can visit it, too. Even if you like more privacy in your living spaces than Mr. Johnson, you can appreciate how windows improve our indoors by bringing in more of the outdoors as light and natural beauty.
Grossmünster – Zurich, Switzerland
The Grossmünster (or “great minister,” meaning “grand church”) is one of the four leading churches in Zurich. Before you say, Yikes—more stained glass, please note these windows aren’t glass at all. In fact, they’re made of agate, a kind of gemstone, cut into slices so thin the light can shine through. I like someone who can think outside the box this way. This artist took a familiar problem—filling a window opening—and solved it in a creative, effective manner that’s also strong, functional, and lovely to look at. To me, that’s windows done right.
Tiffany Glass Dome, Chicago Cultural Center – Chicago, Illinois
No need to get on a plane to see magnificent windows. One of the world’s most beautiful is right in downtown Chicago. The Chicago Cultural Center at 87 East Washington Street boasts an 1897 Tiffany glass dome atop its Preston Bradley Hall. There are 30,000 individual panes of glass in the window. Just thinking about installing 30,000 panes of glass gets me a little tired, but they make this dome one of the largest of its kind in the world. Today, it’s a slight stretch to call this a window. When the dome was first installed, it did use natural light. Since the 1930s, though, the city has shielded the Tiffany glass with a protective outer dome. (Maybe in case the cultural patrons get a little rowdy.) If that’s less authentic, I think I can forgive anyone who hates to see a window broken.
How Can We Help?
At McCann Window & Exteriors, we know that, of all the beautiful spaces in the world, the best is the one you call home. Please reach out if we can be of help with concerns regarding your house’s windows, doors, or siding. And know that, in this season of gratitude, we count being able to serve people like you as one of our blessings. Learn more about McCann Window & Exteriors by visiting https://mccannwindow.com or calling 847-562-1212.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kevin McCann
