Window vs. Fenestration — What's the Difference?

An opening in the wall of a building fitted with glass.

Design aspect involving all openings in a building’s envelope.

Transparent part of a building for viewing outside.

Architectural term for the placement of openings.

Functional decor in architectural design.

Consideration of the building's interface with the environment.

Structural element that provides light and air.

Inclusive of elements like skylights and louvers.

Opening mechanism in a structure.

The arrangement of windows and doors in a building.

A window is an opening in a wall, door, roof, or vehicle that allows the passage of light and may also allow the passage of sound and sometimes air. Modern windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material, a sash set in a frame in the opening; the sash and frame are also referred to as a window.

The design and placement of windows in a building.

An opening constructed in a wall, door, or roof that functions to admit light or air to an enclosure and is often framed and spanned with glass mounted to permit opening and closing.

An opening in the surface of a structure, as in a membrane.

A framework enclosing a pane of glass for such an opening; a sash.

The surgical creation of an artificial opening in a bone, as in the inner ear so as to improve or restore hearing.

A pane of glass or similar material enclosed in such a framework

(architecture) The arrangement of windows and similar openings in a building.

An opening or transparent part that resembles a window in function or appearance

An opening in the surface of an organ etc; the surgical creation of such an opening, especially one in the bony part of the inner ear made to improve hearing.

The transparent panel on a window envelope.

An opening that occurs naturally or is created surgically, as through a biological membrane.

The area or space immediately behind a window, especially at the front of a shop

(botany) Either a translucent area in a structure such as a leaf or flower petal, or an opening in a structure.

A means of access or observation

(nautical) The practice of placing holes in the rudder of a ship to reduce the work required to move the rudder while preserving its ability to steer the ship.

An interval of time during which an activity can or must take place

The arrangement and proportioning of windows; - used by modern writers for the decorating of an architectural composition by means of the window (and door) openings, their ornaments, and proportions.

Strips of foil dropped from an aircraft to confuse enemy radar; chaff.

The state or condition of being fenestrated.

A range of electromagnetic frequencies that pass unobstructed through a planetary atmosphere.

The arrangement of windows in a building

(Computers) A rectangular area on a screen in which a document, database, or application can be viewed independently of the other such areas.

Surgical procedure that creates a new fenestra to the cochlea in order to restore hearing lost because of osteosclerosis

A launch window.

An area at the outer limits of the earth's atmosphere through which a spacecraft must pass in order to return safely.

An opening, usually covered by one or more panes of clear glass, to allow light and air from outside to enter a building or vehicle.

An opening, usually covered by glass, in a shop which allows people to view the shop and its products from outside; a shop window.

(architecture) The shutter, casement, sash with its fittings, or other framework, which closes a window opening.

A period of time when something is available or possible; a limited opportunity.

Something that allows one to see through or into something

A restricted range.

(graphical user interface) A rectangular area on a computer terminal or screen containing some kind of user interface, displaying the output of and allowing input for one of a number of simultaneously running computer processes.

A figure formed of lines crossing each other.

(medicine) The time between first infection and detectability.

Synonym of chaff

(signal processing) A function multiplied with a signal to reduce spectral leakage when performing a Fourier transform.

(transitive) To furnish with windows.

(transitive) To place at or in a window.

To apply a window function to (a signal).

An opening in the wall of a building for the admission of light and air, usually closed by casements or sashes containing some transparent material, as glass, and capable of being opened and shut at pleasure.

The shutter, casement, sash with its fittings, or other framework, which closes a window opening.

A figure formed of lines crossing each other.

A period of time in which some activity may be uniquely possible, more easily accomplished, or more likely to succeed; as, a launch window for a mission to Mars.

A region on a computer display screen which represents a separate computational process, controlled more or less independently from the remaining part of the screen, and having widely varying functions, from simply displaying information to comprising a separate conceptual screen in which output can be visualized, input can be controlled, program dialogs may be accomplished, and a program may be controlled independently of any other processes occurring in the computer. The window may have a fixed location and size, or (as in modern Graphical User Interfaces) may have its size and location on the screen under the control of the operator.

To furnish with windows.

To place at or in a window.

A framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

A transparent opening in a vehicle that allow vision out of the sides or back; usually is capable of being opened

A transparent panel (as of an envelope) inserted in an otherwise opaque material

An opening that resembles a window in appearance or function;

The time period that is considered best for starting or finishing something;

A pane in a window;

An opening in the wall of a building (usually to admit light and air);

(computer science) a rectangular part of a computer screen that contains a display different from the rest of the screen

Factors in fenestration design include the orientation and size of openings, the type of glazing, the thermal properties of materials, and the aesthetic relationship between the building's interior and exterior.

Different types of windows, such as bay, casement, or sliding windows, contribute to architectural style, functionality, and the building's overall energy performance by affecting light entry and air circulation.

The primary function of a window is to provide light, air, and visibility to the interiors of a building.

Fenestration affects a building's energy efficiency through the management of light and heat transfer, contributing to thermal comfort and reduced energy consumption.

Proper window placement is crucial for optimizing natural light, enhancing views, improving ventilation, and maintaining energy efficiency, all of which affect occupant comfort and utility costs.

Thoughtful fenestration maximizes natural light, improves air quality, reduces reliance on artificial lighting and heating, and decreases carbon footprint, contributing to sustainable building practices.

In historical buildings, fenestration plays a key role in defining the period's architectural style, helps in preserving aesthetic and cultural values, and contributes to historical integrity while potentially incorporating modern efficiency standards.

Yes, fenestration can change over time due to renovations, architectural updates, or needs to improve building performance in terms of energy efficiency and user comfort.

Improper fenestration can lead to issues like poor light distribution, thermal discomfort, increased energy costs, and reduced air quality, all of which negatively affect a building's functionality and occupant satisfaction.

Skylights are considered part of fenestration but are distinct from windows as they are typically positioned on the roof.

Window treatments like curtains, blinds, and tinted films can enhance privacy, control light, and improve thermal efficiency, thereby impacting the overall effectiveness of fenestration.

Technological advancements such as smart glass, which can change transparency electronically, and improved insulation materials significantly affect fenestration by enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

Climate significantly influences fenestration choices; in colder climates, triple-glazed windows might be preferred for better insulation, while in warmer climates, larger windows with reflective coatings might be used to keep interiors cool.

Common materials used in window construction include wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, each offering different aesthetic appeals, thermal properties, and durability levels.