Something that I've been wondering about, I thought perhaps someone here might know: I recently moved to the Midwest, and almost every apartment building of any size has exterior windows arranged in a three-part angled pattern: central pane flanked by outer panes which are angled back at the outer edges -- like store tryon mirrors, or extremely shallow bay windows. Where I come from (East Coast) this is rare; most windows are simply flat planes/straight lines.

So I was wondering if anyone knew if there was a mechanical/structural reason for this style? My only guess is that, in breaking up the flat plane of the building's facade, it may prevent high plains winds from pulling out glass panes (?) as happened with Boston's Hancock Tower years ago.

Anyone know, or know where else I can inquire?

Thanks! JLJ

 

Being a window installer from the midwest, I can honestly say that I haven't noticed.

It sounds like you may be referring to "upscale" apartment buildings (likely recently constructed) that used cheap bay windows rather than a straight 3 lite slider, as most apartment buildings have as their main living room windows. The reason would not have anything to do with some mechanical/structural reason, but simply to break up the appearance of a large building and make it aesthetically pleasing, while at the same time adding value and character to the apartment. At times due to zoning, city codes will require such options on apartment buildings if they are being constructed in areas where they want property values to remain high. That way companies don't come in and build cheap looking ugly boxes and bring in low-income renters.

 

High plains wind in the midwest,,, high east coast Atlantic winds,,, high lake winds in Chicago.

I've lived on the east coast and the midwest. Not one bit of construction difference between the two. (Except east coast codes requires hurricane straps on the roofs).