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Skin: Fenestra

I started with the definition of “Fenestra” (Since it is my first time seeing this word):

From Collins English Dictionary:

  1. Biology: a small opening in or between bones, esp one of the openings between the middle and inner ears
  2. Zoology: a transparent marking or spot, as on the wings of moths
  3. Architecture: a window or window-like opening in the outside wall of a building

After searching for the definition, I was amazed that Fenestra could be associated with many disciplines.  The fact that it is a biological word at first but also has an architectural meaning truly attracts me.  I was curious about whether there is bionic architecture related to Fenestra and plan to do some research on it later.

Before diving in, I also went to the Wikipedia page and more pages related to it to learn more about the word itself, and here is some information that interests me:

  1.  It is the Latin word for “window.”
  2.  It is used in various fields to describe a pore in an anatomical structure.
  3. In microanatomy, fenestrae are found in the endothelium of fenestrated capillaries, enabling the rapid exchange of molecules between the blood and surrounding tissue.
  4. In plant biology, the perforations in a perforate leaf are also described as fenestrae, and the leaf is called a fenestrate leaf.
  5. Fenestrae are also used to distinguish the three types of amniote.

For now, I understand that Fenestra is mostly about describing a kind of structure. More disciplines and systems are mentioned, and this makes me think that exploring and introducing how much knowledge and infomations behind this world to the public would be exciting.

Two research directions appear :

  1. For The Future:  Dive deep into bionic architecture (or bionic itself) and check how Fenestra can be used in non-biologic way. Future possiblilities of this structure and how it can contributed to the society.
    1. Problems and questions:
      1. Who should be the audience/readers/users for this topic?
      2. Need a expert in this area to help since this is too technical.
      3. Is there enough infomation I can final under this time limitaion?
  2. From The Past:  For “Fenestra” is not a common word in daily life. I want to focus on the meaning of this word in different systems. Introducing this structure’s beauty to the public shows that there are always some common points in this changeable world.
    1. Problems and questions:
      1. Some people may feel unconfortable with this structure, like intensive phobia. How to recudce the discomfortableness?
      2. It is a technical term. How to shorten the distance between it and the public? How to make it easy to understand and attractive?
      3. It might be too much information for the public. How to control the balance?

 

The moth with a skull pattern: Both holes on bone and the transparent marking on the wings of the moth called Fenestra

1 thought on “Skin: Fenestra”

  1. I have trypophobia, and so as you mentioned, when I googled your topic “fenestra,” I instantly had goosebumps. Your post reminds me of Amy Kathryn Watson’s easy COMPLEXION: SKIN, SURFACE AND DEPTH IN CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICE” as it’s fascinating to think about fenestra’s natural occurrence versus our social desire for “smooth, perfect skin.” I wonder how people like me developed such fear of holes, is that phobia also a natural occurrence, or could it be unconsciously a societal influenced result? Similarly, in contemporary society, when people want to show their rebellious spirit, one of the common things people do is by putting holes and rings around the body on the skin. However, in many cultures, traditionally, making holes and rings on the skin is often a part of the coming-of-age ceremony, and it’s often considered an honor or something serious, nothing against the societal wish. I wonder how this switch of association of holes on skin evolved.

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