Traditional shopfronts in Nottingham have large areas of glazing and new entrances to upper floors can be sensitively incorporated into shopfronts
The Flying Horse Inn building (13th century) has details that were incorporated within the composition of the façade and fenestrations. Historic glass survives in the windows adding to the historic character of the building.
Traditional shops often had a clerestory above the shop window. In this case the clerestory has been reinstated with attractive multiplane glazing with different colours of glass.
4. Shop windows
Much historic glass has been lost due to its fragility and the wholesale demolition of historic shopfronts. It is important that historic glass is retained and protected, apart from being quite rare, the imperfections and striations of historic glass catch and reflect light with a brilliance not found in modern glass.
Where modern glass is to be replaced, the new glazing can provide security by being toughened or laminated. Glazing should be designed in proportion with the shopfront and building. Most remaining traditional shopfronts in Nottingham date from the mid 19th century onwards when the new technology of plate glass allowed for expansive shop windows, some with splendid curved glass, maximising the window display. Large scale glazing to first floor windows also becomes more common from the late 19th century and can provide excellent views in to and out of the space and additional display space for goods. In some cases historic glass is more likely to survive in a first floor window, which may have had less use and fewer alterations. Specialist glazing such as curved, stained, etched and leaded lights can be reinstated where wholly or partially lost and will enhance the palette of colours and textures. Opaque glass to the clerestory can be used to hide suspended ceilings, or even better ceilings can be set back from the shop window to allow more light and better views in to the shop.
Shop window displays are a traditional feature and attractive displays are encouraged. Virtual technology, holograms, smellscape design and app stations can be integrated with careful consideration to provide active shopfronts.
View the Inspire Me Gallery for examples of how shop windows can transform a shopfront.
Design Criteria
4.1 Retain and conserve historic glass were possible.
4.2 The proportions and composition of the proposed glazing are informed by the proportions the parent building and historic shopfront.
4.3 Proposed glazing relates to each of the components of the shopfront in terms of size, position, and separation, and follows specific and clear mathematical rules.