The distinctive design of porthole windows plays an important role on board any ship or vessel and they are much more complex than they appear. With these windows, form follows function as they are stylistically appealing and serve a very specific function. In addition to providing light, porthole windows also ease the burden of living in such tight spaces a bit by providing some fresh air when opened. In addition, the porthole windows also offer a view to the outside and, although they are small, they still offer a considerable amount of light and enough air to pass through. When closed, portholes maintain a watertight barrier against water entering the ship and the various storms that can arise at sea.
In terms of style, porthole windows do not differ much from standard windows in that they consist of a glass panel and a metal frame. One aspect that makes them unique compared to regular windows is that they are always circular in shape instead of rectangular or square. Many portholes come equipped with an additional apparatus called a “storm cover” to serve as protection against drastic weather at sea. The storm cover also blocks light, so if the crew is trying to sleep or prefers the dark, they can use the cover to adequately block the light. In the navy, the storm cover also serves to protect the crew from hostile attacks from enemy ships.
The simplicity of its circular structure helps maintain the strength of the hull and provides protection against strong waves when they crash against the boat. Porthole windows are not only used in marine vessels but can also be found in spacecraft. But in the spacecraft, the window must use a material that can withstand drastic weather changes. The ones on the International Space Station are made of quartz glass and are highly durable and resistant to cracking.
However, on a submarine, portholes are usually made of acrylic plastic because acrylic sits flat and does not distort the view.
Porthole windows are an integral part of any moving vessel, providing a wide range of functions. Regardless of being at sea or in space, portholes serve a specific function, maintaining pressure on the vessel, as well as protecting the crew from enemy attacks.
Although porthole windows may not seem very technologically advanced, it is because of their simple design that they are so successful in keeping crews safe and providing protection from stormy weather. Whether they are made of glass or plastic, the important factor is that they are durable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions or counterattacks. It’s hard to believe that there are so many interesting facts surrounding something that seems so simple and straightforward.
Porthole windows provide a porthole into the symbiotic nature of form and function and the genius that resides within some of the world’s simplest designs, proving that elaborate and ornate is not always better. There are many useful tips that can be learned from designing a porthole window.