Author: Zixin Zhou

Program of Study: Master of Arts in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM), Harris School of Public Policy

Windows in the University of Chicago

Description:

Imagine walking through the historic Kenwood neighborhood in Chicago, where every window tells a story, blending the past and present of this vibrant community. In this podcast, we’ll explore how Kenwood’s windows reveal not just architectural beauty, but the deeper connection between people, their homes, and the evolving city around them

Listen here:

 

Transcript (provided by author):

Welcome to the ELI’s Finding Chicago Global Perspectives Podcast Series for AEPP 2024. I’m your host, Zixin Zhou, and I’m currently enrolled in the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy

Upon arriving in Chicago, the lively and varied buildings caught my eye, but it was really the windows that grabbed my attention. Each window seemed to tell a story, showing both the city’s history and its current vibe. This was particularly clear in Kenwood, a neighborhood with a wide range of architectural styles. As I walked, I saw how the windows changed from house to house—from large bay windows that let you see into beautifully decorated living rooms to sleek, modern ones that suggested recent updates.

One late summer afternoon, I found myself in front of a particularly striking house in Kenwood. It had tall, slim windows that reached nearly from the floor to the ceiling. These windows did more than bring light into the home; they seemed to turn the outside world into a series of paintings. Each window offered a different view, some overlooking lawns covered with leaves and others showing the busy street.

The more I explored, the more I understood that Kenwood’s windows were like the eyes of the neighborhood. They showed the lives being lived inside—happy moments, everyday scenes, and the quiet privacy of family evenings. This made me think about how windows not only link us to the outside world but also shield our private moments. They represent both openness and privacy, community involvement and personal space.

As I kept exploring, each window seemed to reveal a part of Kenwood’s story, from grand historical events to the personal stories of its people. This mix of architecture and personal experiences made Kenwood’s windows an ideal topic for my podcast, capturing both the broad appeal of Chicago’s architecture and the unique charm of one of its neighborhoods.

My interest in Kenwood’s windows has sparked many thoughts about their deeper meaning. Windows are much more than just parts of a building; they act as links between private life and the public world. The types I’ve seen here—from fancy, old frames to simple modern glass—bring up interesting questions about who we are and how we change.

Why do we choose certain windows? Is it just for looks, or is something else going on? For example, big bay windows that show a clear view inside might show a wish to be open and connected with the outside, while smaller, cloudier windows might show a need for privacy and safety. This choice shows personal style, but also reflects the wider culture and values in the community.

In Kenwood, the mix of different windows can be seen as a symbol for the area itself. It’s a place where old and new meet. Old homes with classic designs are next to new updates, showing a community that honors its history but also looks forward. This mix makes us think about how our surroundings shape us. Are we shaped more by our past or by current trends?

Also, the role of windows—to let in light and offer a view, yet protect us from outside forces—reflects how we interact with society. We want openness and connection, but we also value our privacy and the chance to step back from everything. This double role of windows can also make us think about our social lives. How do we manage what others see of us and our privacy in a world where everyone is connected?

These thoughts about windows aren’t just about the structures themselves but about what it means to live in a city space like Chicago. They make us think about how buildings affect how we act and relate to others. Each window, with its own style and location, adds to Kenwood’s story, silently showing the lives of its people and how the community has changed.

From thinking about all this, it’s clear that windows do more than just serve as parts of a building. They are key to how we experience space and community. They shape how we view the world and how the world views us.

Thank you for joining me today to look through Kenwood’s windows and explore the stories they tell without words. As we go about our daily lives, I encourage you to look at your surroundings and consider what unnoticed details might say about your community. Until next time, keep looking closer and wondering more.