Part 6/9:
The decline of window awnings can be attributed to the widespread adoption of air conditioning. As homes began to rely heavily on mechanical cooling, many homeowners deemed awnings unnecessary. This shift in fashion and function made homes without awnings appear more modern, leading to their removal from older buildings, reinforcing the notion that window awnings were relics of an outdated style.
However, recent environmental shifts and rising temperatures compel us to reassess our reliance on energy-intensive cooling solutions. The return of window awnings as part of our homes can mitigate heat gain, enhancing energy efficiency and lowering cooling costs while still promoting ventilation.