Architect's Toolbox: The Open Corner Window
The traditional way of producing a room would be to build four partitions, each connected and vertical to the adjoining wall. Doors and windows are then”cut” or”punched” into the walls to join rooms and present views and light.
In the late 19th century, architects at the upper Midwest started to experiment with producing rooms that flowed into another and from inside to outside. They did so by removing the corners rather than linking wall to wall. Opening up by simply taking the corners of this room was like removing the corners of a rectangular bowl. The space within the room, like the water within the bowl, would flow freely, spilling out to the adjoining rooms and the exterior.
The outcome is that the open corner, like the flat roof, has become a signature of modern design.
Dick Clark + Associates
The lack of any structural assistance in the corner has the effect of flattening the space, transforming the perspective into what seems to be a large landscape painting.
Kanner Architects – CLOSED
The space of this room spills out into the mountainous landscape beyond, and the tree becomes part of the room.
Sutton Suzuki Architects
Glass wraps the corner, and the wall is almost nonexistent. The horizontal muntin bars form a residual corner and join the two walls. The space of this room is simultaneously contained and allowed to spill free, a great duality.
Bertram Architects
There’s not anything in the best way to impede the perspective whilst producing the next great piece of literature.
Dick Clark + Associates
The corner window gives this shower the illusion of being outside.
Rossington Architecture
Here is a fun and colorful version of the open corner, proof that this instrument may be used across any style.
SDG Architecture, Inc..
Like individual frames of a film, the windows capture increasing quantities of treetop and sky, while the open space keeps the progression going.
Laidlaw Schultz architects
Walls of glass with no visible way of support blur the distinction between outside and inside.
Sagan / Piechota Architecture
The large piece of glass turns the corner to create an uninterrupted view of the landscape, while the large expanse of wall over the glass creates a tough edge to the space, simultaneously weathered and expansive.
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