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Harlequin Window

CHRISTIAN SHAW

Saint Giles Cathedral

Edinburgh

Douglas Laird Architects

The Harlequin window is designed to radiate colour from its awkward position behind the Cathedral’s organ. Prior to installation the window had been bricked up internally, the decision to re-establish the window posed considerable creative challenges. Most notably the situation of the window, required the window to shield the organ from heat build-up due to direct sunlight at the same time as achieving the desired result of bringing more light into the building. Christian drew inspiration from the colour pallet found in the heavenly choir tracery above to create a vibrant feature that emanates colour and light from behind the organ. The window uses dense colours of glass to absorb and deflect much of the heat build-up during direct sunlight. This project illustrates the potential of architectural glass in both function and creative expression.

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