The North Texas Institute for Educators on the Visual Arts offers a concise history and explaination of adobe architecture.
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Architecture, Design, and Culture using of mud, clay, soil, dirt & dust.
Hello,
I see you have a great deal of information on Adobe Architecture. I have a questions concerning windows in adobe buildings.
I am personally researching the small equilateral triangular openings, less than one (1) foot in side length, found under the roof lines, near the tops of rooms, under patios or on the outside of adobe ranch or mission buildings in Southern California. They are referred to as “Trinity Windows” because of their shape with the tale that the religiously converted Indians made them to represent the Holy Trinity — father, son and holy ghost. I have not found any confirming evidence anywhere that supports this story. The other tale is that they were used to point guns through in defense of the property, but they are close to the ceiling and it would be awkward to fire a gun that close to walls and ceiling.
My personal opinion is that it is a Moorish architectural artifact which was brought here with the Spainiards. I know many of the seemingly aesthetic features in Moorish architecture were actually designed to increase air flow in the buildings by causing small currents to occur when any small desert breeze came through. I think these small triangular windows may also have been designed for that purpose.
Do you know of the origins of these “Trinity Windows” or could you refer me to a resource?
Thank you for your time!
Barbara
pickettb2@aol.com