fönsterband

Fönsterband is a Swedish architectural term for a continuous sequence of windows that runs horizontally along a building's facade. The band can extend for part or all of the façade and is distinguished by aligned sill levels and glazing, producing a visual ribbon of light.

In design terms, a fönsterband is usually created by arranging frames and glazing into a single horizontal strip, sometimes spanning many bays. It may be uninterrupted or broken by structural elements, doors, or balconies. The edge of the band is often defined by a belt course, parapet, or floor line.

Historically, fönsterband became common in Nordic functionalist and modernist architecture in the early to mid-20th century, where bands of windows facilitated daylighting and a clean horizontal reading of the façade. It is seen in residential blocks, schools, and office buildings, and is related to the broader concept of ribbon windows.

In practice, fönsterband influences daylight distribution, glare, and thermal performance. Architects consider the depth of the window reveals, glazing type, and shading strategies to manage energy use and comfort. It is a visual device as well as a structural and environmental consideration.