clearstory
High church windows
A clearstory (also spelled clerestory) is the upper portion of a wall in a large building, typically a church or cathedral, that rises above adjacent rooflines and contains windows to admit light into the central interior space.
The design allows natural illumination to reach areas that would otherwise be dark, and the technique has been used since ancient Egyptian temples through Gothic cathedrals to modern architecture.
The clearstory windows flooded the nave with afternoon light.
Colored window art
- glazingGlossy protective coating
- lancetSmall surgical knife
- rose windowCircular tracery-filled window
- oculusRound architectural opening
dormer · windowpane · glass · leaded glass · quatrefoil · trefoil · pointed arch · skylight
Church's main interior
- transeptChurch's lateral wing
- apseVaulted church recess
- chancelAltar-adjacent clergy space
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
narthex · ambulatory · aisle · basilica · cathedral · fenestration · mullion · lintel
Sun's natural glow
- sunbeamsStreaks of solar light
- sunlightRadiance from our star
- radianceGlowing luminous quality
- natural lightIllumination from the sun
luminosity · brightness · interior lighting · diffused light · daylighting · solar gain
Movement of atmosphere
- circulationMovement through a system
- cross-ventilationAirflow through opposing openings
- natural ventilationAirflow without powered fans
- breezeLight, gentle air movement
draft · air exchange · cooling · thermal regulation · passive cooling · fresh air · convection
stained glass
Colored window art
- glazingGlossy protective coating
- lancetSmall surgical knife
- rose windowCircular tracery-filled window
oculus · dormer · windowpane · glass · leaded glass · quatrefoil · trefoil · pointed arch · skylight · transom
nave
Church's main interior
sanctuary · narthex · ambulatory · aisle · basilica · cathedral · fenestration · mullion · lintel · architrave
daylight
Sun's natural glow
natural light · luminosity · brightness · interior lighting · diffused light · daylighting · solar gain
airflow
Movement of atmosphere
- circulationMovement through a system
- cross-ventilationAirflow through opposing openings
- natural ventilationAirflow without powered fans
breeze · draft · air exchange · cooling · thermal regulation · passive cooling · fresh air · convection
clearstorybasement window
Opening in foundation wall
crypt · undercroft · plinth · foundation · cellar