Historic Resources Committee

-------------------------------------------
Richard Linderman AIA
Principal
The Linderman Group Architects, Inc.
Media PA
-------------------------------------------
Despicable as a windowless apartment sounds, the ICC codes permit this -- provided the building meets the exceptions in SECTION 1029 EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE of the IBC, and meets mechanical ventilation in accordance with the International Mechanical Code as permitted by SECTION 1203 VENTILATION 1203.1 of the IBC.

That said, a windowless apartment might not be that bad if privacy or security is an issue, or if the surrounds are particularly noisy and unattractive. If an apartment in such surroundings had windows, chances are the tenants would always have their drapes drawn anyway.

I currently live in an apartment where the bedroom does not have any windows, but does have a large skylight.  I always have a view of the sky, not a view of the neighbors brick wall.  I thought I would miss seeing something out the window, but the privacy of a skylight means we never have to draw the drapes.  Whenever the sun is shining, our bedroom is filled with light.  I was hesitant to live in an apartment without a window in the bedroom, but I haven't missed it at all.  And our apartment does meet code, we have a door in the bedroom to an internal hallway in the building that has a door to the outside.

-------------------------------------------
Karen Kiesel Bonthron Assoc. AIA
Lambertville NJ
-------------------------------------------