Fenestration

Fenestration refers to the design, construction, and presence of openings in a building or structure, such as windows, doors, louvers, vents, wall panels, skylights, storefronts, curtain walls, and other glazed or unglazed openings. These openings are integral to a building’s architecture as they contribute to the visual aesthetics, enable the entry of natural light, facilitate ventilation, and provide a means of escape during emergencies. Fenestration elements can also significantly impact a building’s energy efficiency by influencing heat gain and loss, and thus, they are often designed considering factors such as orientation, climate, and thermal performance. The term is derived from the Latin word ‘fenestra,’ meaning window, and it encompasses the arrangement, proportioning, and design of these openings in a building’s exterior.