Top 7 Window Landmarks
I donât know about you but I am pretty passionate about windows. When I get the chance, I also like to travel and am often stunned by beautiful architecture and incredible window shapes, sizes and designs. Having worked with windows and glass for most of my life, I find it amazing how many of the worldâs most famous buildings have so many windows or such marvellous displays of glasswork. Below, I have listed my top seven window landmarks. If you love windows these buildings should definitely be at the top of your list of places to visit. Take a read and be inspired!
Buckingham Palace
The most famous building in England, with a stunning history of royals, Buckingham Palace has graciously stood the test of time. Every year millions of visitors stand at the gates, watching the change of the guard, or walk through its lavish rooms. When the Queen is home the flag is raised and it is often a common occurrence for curious visitors to crane their necks and try to spot her standing at one of the windows. It may take some time however, as there are 760 windows in total.
The Palace of Versailles
One of the most lavish castles in the world, The Palace of Versailles boasts around 2,143 windows. One of the most eye-catching features of the Palace of Versailles is the exquisite Hall of Mirrors. This reflective hallway is 73 metres in length and is comprised of 17 beautifully arched windows which are each embellished with 21 individual mirrors. As you can imagine, this hall simply beams light off of an incredible 357 mirrors!
Empire State Building
Perhaps one of the most famous buildings in the world, The Empire State Building has stood proudly as the focal point of New York City since it was built in 1930. One of the most famous landmarks, it is the tallest building in New York and has appeared in over 90 movies, including North by Northwest and the infamous King Kong. The Empire State Building has nearly 3.6 million visitors per year and stands proudly with 6,514 gleaming windows.
The Shard
The Shard is one of the most modernised skyscrapers in London and it has certainly made an impression on the city with its stunning and unrivalled views. With a total of 11,000 glass panels you certainly wonât be fighting other people for a view point as there are so many to choose from. If you travel right to the top (with help from the lifts, thankfully), you will experience unrivalled 360 degree views of up to 40 miles. It is definitely a building not to be missed!
Willis Tower
Chicagoâs skyscraper, Willis Tower, is the tallest building in America and the most desirable business address. Playing host to a whopping 16,100 windows it is stunning inside and out. The Ledge is worth seeing as it is a series of glass bays on the 103rd floor that extend from the building, providing visitors with terrifying but unobstructed views of Chicago through the windows and glass floors â a vertigoâs nightmare of 1,353 feet straight down. Now, thatâs high!
30 St Mary Axe
Otherwise known as âThe Gherkinâ is one of the iconic buildings in the city of London. A complete 7,429 window panes cover the exterior of the building, which is enough to cover five whole football pitches. Standing tall in the city it is a truly magnificent feat of engineering. The Gherkin has 24,000 metres of squared glass. I bet that was a delicate job to install. On the whole of the building there is only one piece of carved glass and that sits right at the top on the lens.
The Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a magnificent skyscraper in beautiful Dubai. Not only does it have 24, 348 windows for the staff to attempt to clean but it is also the tallest building in the world, standing at 2,722 ft. That is a pretty tall order for any potential window cleaner. I wonder how many applications they have for their job advertisements.
Final Words
Are there any buildings you have visited that have an incredible number of windows or even unusual glass shapes or designs? I would love to hear from you so that I can visit them. Leave me a comment below.