Fenestra: The vessel of light

Fenestra explores how windows, as vital mediators of light, shape human well-being in interior spaces. Since humans spend most of their time indoors—about 90% of the day on average, which is roughly 22 hours per day—windows act as thresholds between inside and outside, filtering light, air, and views of nature. Their design influences circadian rhythms, cognition, mood, and health, while technological innovations and cultural values continually reshape their role in everyday life. Focusing on the 20th and 21st centuries, this project examines how design, technology, and cultural perspectives intersect to redefine the window as both a physical element and a cultural symbol in supporting human wellness. Ultimately, the window serves as a lens for developing a framework to design spaces that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.