Fanlight

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Montgomery's Inn Door

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Priestley Door

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03576 - Porta Venezia, Milano - Dettaglio - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto 23-Jun-2007

Palácio-da-Pena Pátio-dos-Arcos 1 (OUT-07)

Fanlight is an architectural term referring to a window, often semicircular or semi-elliptical in shape, with glazing bars or tracery sets radiating out like a fan. It is placed over a door or another window, primarily in the entrance of buildings to allow more light into the space behind the door. The term "fanlight" can also refer to any decorative window over a door, even if not shaped like a fan. These windows are a characteristic feature of the Georgian architecture and Federal architecture styles, prevalent in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Design and Function

Fanlights are primarily designed to illuminate the entrance hall of buildings, providing natural light into areas that would otherwise be dark, especially in densely built urban environments. Their design, featuring radiating bars, not only serves a practical purpose but also adds an element of aesthetic appeal to the building's facade. In addition to allowing light, fanlights can also serve a ventilative function when they are operable, allowing air to circulate without opening the door.

Historical Context

The use of fanlights became popular during the Georgian period, a time characterized by symmetry, proportion, and balance in architecture. This period saw the fanlight as a decorative element that could enhance the classical proportions sought after in buildings of the time. As the style evolved into Federal architecture in the United States, fanlights continued to be a prominent feature, often accompanied by sidelights and a classical pediment to create an imposing entrance.

Variations

While the traditional fanlight is semicircular or semi-elliptical, variations exist, including rectangular or square fanlights, often with the fan-shaped tracery applied over the glass. These variations allow the fanlight to be adapted to different architectural styles beyond Georgian and Federal, making it a versatile element in both historic and contemporary architecture.

Preservation and Restoration

In historic buildings, the preservation and restoration of fanlights is important for maintaining the architectural integrity of the structure. This can involve the careful cleaning of glass panes, restoration of wood or metal frames, and, in some cases, the recreation of missing or damaged tracery. The craftsmanship involved in creating and restoring fanlights is a specialized skill, reflecting the importance of these features in architectural history.

Contemporary Use

Today, fanlights remain a popular architectural feature, not only in the restoration of historic buildings but also in new constructions seeking to add a touch of elegance and historical reference to their design. Modern materials and techniques allow for the creation of fanlights that can meet contemporary needs for energy efficiency and security while still providing the aesthetic and functional benefits that have made them a lasting element in architecture.