Why Are Windows in Groningen So Big?
I wasn’t born in the Netherlands, I arrived here when I was 18. One of the first things that I noticed in this country, after the abundance of bikes and fietspaden that, was the size of their windows. Compared to all different places that I used to live, they were massive. However, the weirdest part for me was that through those windows, I could easily see inside people's houses. If you’ve ever been to the Netherlands, you definitely know what I mean.
If you come from, for example, Denmark, the cultural shock might not be that significant. However, if you’re like me, and you come from a country where everyone uses a backcloth and blinds combo, it feels a bit weird to accidentally share eye contact with a person watching TV on their couch. This was the moment when I thought for the first time: “why would you have such a big window?”
Here is the answer.
Cultural Transparency
The Dutch culture is often described as one that values openness and transparency. Here, it is a social norm that they have nothing to hide, and are not ashamed of anything. Dutch people are also known for their straightforwardness and honesty, which is reflected in their living spaces.
The Concept of "Gezelligheid”
The word “Gezellig”, does not have a direct translation to the English language — it means cozy, warm and sociable at the same time. This word has a strong relation to the way Dutch people arrange their houses. By keeping windows open and homes visible, the Dutch cultivate a feeling of welcoming openness and accessibility, enhancing social interactions and community bonds.
Maximising Natural Light
In the Netherlands, it's common to have a lack of sunny days, with most of the year being bleak, cloudy and rainy. This, combined with small-sized windows, can lead to a permanent reliance on artificial light. Having large windows installed can help gather as much sunlight in the house as possible.
Dutch Golden Age
There was a period in the history of the Netherlands called the Dutch Golden Age. It marked a time when the Dutch were world leaders in trade, establishing a global commercial network with outposts and colonies in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. At that time glass was considered expensive, so it quickly became a symbol of wealth. Having large, ornate windows was a way to display one's success and affluence to the public.