Hexagonal window

A hexagonal window (also Melnikov's or honeycomb window)^[1] is a hexagon-shaped window, resembling a bee cell or crystal lattice of graphite. The window can be vertically or horizontally oriented, openable or fixed. It can also be regular or elongately-shaped and can have a separator (mullion).

Typically, the cellular window^[2] is used for an attic or as a decorative feature, but it can also be a major architectural element to provide the natural lighting inside buildings. The hexagonal window is relatively rare and associated with such architectural styles as constructivism,^[3] functionalism^[4] and, occasionally, cubism.

History

Attic hexagonal windows were occasionally used in the Northern European manor architecture of the 19th century. The concept became popular thanks to the Russian constructivist architect Konstantin Melnikov,^[5][6] whose own famous house had 124 hexagonal windows, which were the main source of light as ceiling lights were not provided in many rooms.^[7][8] Cellular windows are also a feature of the Scandinavian functionalism architecture of the 1940s–1960s and are a kind of synthesis of tradition and modernism in the architecture.

Today, hexagonal windows may be associated with honeycomb houses, a concept proposed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright^[9] and explore an idea of organic architecture, which considers the nature as a main source of architectural imagination.^{[10][self-published source]}

Gallery

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  Mustonen House, 1870, Joensuu, Finland.
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  Melnikov House, Moscow, Russia.
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  Hexagonal window with diagonal mullions, Melnikov House.
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  Vertical chain of hexagonal windows, Finland, 1950s.
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  Triple cellular window in private mansion in Finland, 1960s.
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  Internal view of hexagonal window.
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  Hexagonal window at the right bottom part of building, Finnish functionalism.