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Opening the window would make me happy, even once in awhile. I understand it’s not feasible in most buildings. (The thought of going back to closed up modern b

Opening the window would make me happy, even once in awhile. I understand it’s not feasible in most buildings. (The thought of going back to closed up modern building is sickening lately. I know it’s coming for myself though.)

inglor_cz 6y ago
Yeah, I feel the same way. On the one side, I get it: air-conditioned buildings, railway cars etc. must have solid windows so that the system works. But it does not work emotionally for the humans trapped within. Opening a window and feeling the rush of fresh wind against your face is an important feeling, we are creatures of the vast outdoors by ancient heritage, not cave dwellers. In Silmarillion, Tolkien wrote that even the High Elves of Valinor need to feel the fresh air of the outer lands from time to time. I would say that this extends to us mortals too.
- stdbrouw 6y ago
  I have a hunch, though, that often the problem is not emotional but actually physiological. If a ventilation system works well enough that air is not altogether too stale or humid or high in CO2, but not well enough to ensure the air is properly fresh, you could easily start feeling like there's something off, without being able to pinpoint exactly what's wrong. Most office ventilation systems have very few sensors and don't respond to changes in occupancy, or are otherwise hard to regulate, which can easily lead to air quality that is good-enough-but-not-quite-there and a desire to open a window. I've worked in offices that were stuffy all the time, but also in offices that were pleasant winter and summer, and nobody ever complained that the windows didn't open.
  - inglor_cz 6y ago
    That can definitely be. We are absolutely dependent on air, so our air quality sensors are likely to be fairly sensitive.
    - LordIllidan 6y ago
      Unless it's carbon monoxide poisoning...
raverbashing 6y ago
We're in a pandemic and even now people seem to have a hard time opening windows in northern parts of Europe. Really
- llampx 6y ago
  Durchzug mördet!
  - raverbashing 6y ago
    You got it /s

inglor_cz 6y ago

Yeah, I feel the same way. On the one side, I get it: air-conditioned buildings, railway cars etc. must have solid windows so that the system works. But it does not work emotionally for the humans trapped within. Opening a window and feeling the rush of fresh wind against your face is an important feeling, we are creatures of the vast outdoors by ancient heritage, not cave dwellers. In Silmarillion, Tolkien wrote that even the High Elves of Valinor need to feel the fresh air of the outer lands from time to time. I would say that this extends to us mortals too.

stdbrouw 6y ago
I have a hunch, though, that often the problem is not emotional but actually physiological. If a ventilation system works well enough that air is not altogether too stale or humid or high in CO2, but not well enough to ensure the air is properly fresh, you could easily start feeling like there's something off, without being able to pinpoint exactly what's wrong. Most office ventilation systems have very few sensors and don't respond to changes in occupancy, or are otherwise hard to regulate, which can easily lead to air quality that is good-enough-but-not-quite-there and a desire to open a window. I've worked in offices that were stuffy all the time, but also in offices that were pleasant winter and summer, and nobody ever complained that the windows didn't open.
- inglor_cz 6y ago
  That can definitely be. We are absolutely dependent on air, so our air quality sensors are likely to be fairly sensitive.
  - LordIllidan 6y ago
    Unless it's carbon monoxide poisoning...

raverbashing 6y ago

We're in a pandemic and even now people seem to have a hard time opening windows in northern parts of Europe. Really

llampx 6y ago
Durchzug mördet!
- raverbashing 6y ago
  You got it /s