Andersen's Project Odyssey – Examining The Role That Windows Play In People’s Lives

Windows have fascinated mankind centuries. Since the Romans made the first translucent glass panes in the first century A.D., windows have earned their place in structures around the world – from magnificent cathedrals to simple pioneer homes.

Through the centuries, windows were the home’s main interface with the outside world – bringing light, air, and even information. While windows remain a vital component of the home, today’s homeowners often don’t use them as intended. They block out natural light with blinds or curtains, relying instead on track lighting and lamps. They arrange furniture around computers and entertainment systems, turning their backs to the outdoors. They use HVAC systems to control the climate inside the home year-round, keeping windows and doors shut.

But according to window and door industry leader Andersen Windows, Inc., the idea of the window as an interface isn’t necessarily outdated. Together with industry experts and leading design and research firms, Andersen spearheaded the innovative "Project Odyssey" to envision the home of the future and examine the role that windows play in people’s lives. The process yielded a simple, yet surprising vision for the home of tomorrow – that it may look a lot more like the home of the past than the home of today.

The Journey Begins

Project Odyssey wasn’t born in an executive boardroom. Its genesis was a conversation between Andersen and a leading design team that had recently completed a "house of the future" project. As the two parties talked, it became obvious that many of the processes used to envision the house of tomorrow could also be used to investigate the future role of the window.

Andersen embarked upon a journey that became known as Project Odyssey. The goals were straightforward -- to understand how technological and behavioral trends relate to the window’s role as interface for the home, and apply the knowledge gained to the company’s research and development efforts.

Process and Discovery

Working with an international team of researchers, designers and other experts, Andersen engaged in a series of research projects to uncover the anthropology of the home -- what people want in their homes and what their homes represent to them – as well as which existing and new technologies could be applied to the window as an interface to benefit the home. By identifying where these technologies and behavioral factors converge, the Andersen team developed dozens of product scenarios.

Throughout a three-year process, Andersen hosted "immersion sessions" to generate feedback from a wide variety of audiences -- contractors, architects, consumers, suppliers, designers, manufacturers, retailers, and building industry experts. Participants were immersed in various product and lifestyle scenarios, providing pragmatic as well as imaginative advice to Andersen’s team.

The Results

Through Project Odyssey, Andersen discovered that homes of tomorrow may resemble homes of the past in many ways. New technologies that are rapidly becoming a part of everyday life might be incorporated into window design -- allowing homeowners to free themselves of much of the clutter and complexity filling the home today and once again rely upon the window as the interface for light, air, information and security.

Next-Generation Screen Concept

Dubbed "the invisible insect screen", the "ClearSite" next-generation insect screen would allow for a much clearer view of the outdoors and increased curb appeal. Made with a unique, patent-pending technology designed to manage light transmission and reflection for better views of the outdoors, the new insect screen also improves performance by increasing the amount of air and light entering the home while preventing even tiny insects from passing through.

Micro-Ventilation Window Concept

The "AirWays" micro-ventilation window would allow the window to establish airflow and achieve desired environmental conditions without compromising security in the home. Through integrated vents in the interior and exterior frame of the window, air exchange could occur to supplement a home’s HVAC system.

Multi-Media Window Concepts

Imagine using the kitchen window to download recipes, watch television, listen to music or even turn on the air conditioning. The "SlideAway" media window concept features an embedded, touch-screen computer that slides into a pocket in the window frame when not in use.

The "ViewPoint" media window concept is a bay window that doubles as a home entertainment center. Upon command, the center panel of the window switches from clear to opaque glass to block outside light and allow it to be used as a projection screen for watching television or recorded movies. The flanking casement windows serve as speakers to complete the multi-media experience.

Author Notes:

James Martell contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com.  Find everything you need to know about replacement windows, shutters, tinting, basement, fiberglass windows and more.