The concept of having balconies in buildings, residential or otherwise, have captured the imagination of architects and builders across the globe for centuries ever since the idea of single storied or multistoried structures came into being.

The presence of balconies both in the interiors and exteriors of a building were utilised to exude a sense of exclusivity in the past. They were basically projections off existing structures that had a low ceiling, flooring and were flanked by walls on one or two sides at the most.

These balconies were used for practical purposes where people could stand or sit to watch the ongoing events within or outside a building. The absence of a closed structure was basically construed to allow the elements of nature like air, light and even rain, to permeate the building if the balcony was placed outside the building.

The open structure served as a platform to allow the inmates within a building to interact with each other if it was present in a home or simply facilitate them to watch a play or listen to a concert or sermon within a hall. A brief sojourn through the history of balconies reveals interesting variations to the structure which was incorporated in homes, churches, palaces, museums, large ships, auditoriums, stadiums, theatres, among others.

Balcone

It is interesting to note that the term ‘balcony’ has been derived from an Italian word ‘balcone’, which literally translates as scaffold. Though the word has an Italian origin, the concept of having a balcony has been around for a long time simultaneously, all over the world.

Over a period of time, the balcony became an integral part of a building though it was referred to, variously in different countries. Germans called it the ‘balcho’ while the Persians termed it as ‘balkaneh’. However, no matter what the balcony was called, its purpose has invariably been indispensable in a complete building as it happens to be a literal window to the world around us.

Imagination and creativity of the human race have led to some very unique balconies which have a mark of individuality of their own. For instance the traditional Maltese balcony, is a wooden closed balcony projecting from a wall whereas the Julliette balconies form an integral part of the building with just an ornate railing in front with walls on the sides. The balconies in palaces protrude heavily in order to facilitate the harem to have clear view of events.

But then all these balconies have one common feature—all of them have doors that open up onto a small patio with balustrades.

Modern-day use

Man’s tryst with balconies continues with the same zeal till this day. Apartment complexes that are being built in multitudes today, invariably accommodate more than one balcony to let in sunlight and fresh air and sometimes the pure water by way of rains. In today’s context, the balcony has more practical uses than ever before as it can double up as a service verandah, a pet enclosure, a study or sometimes even as a mini living room when there are a lot of guests at home.

All the same it is advisable to retain one balcony as it is and use the niche as a relaxation spot at home. A work of art on the walls, a few pots housing greenery and a creeper trailing over the trellis, a few lightweight cane chairs, an occasional swing if space permits, can set the scene for the perfect haven on earth where one can put up one’s feet and drift into a state of a lotus eater whenever time permits.