Why do telephone company buildings have no windows?

[aphex]

We have a big Verizon building downtown, I would guess 7-8 stories high, without a single window...

is it all server/telco equipment? don't servers enjoy a nice view?

 

[mwtgg]

So their employees can't jump to a quick and easy death?

 

[Agentbolt]

Open Windows = security risk. Someone could look in with binoculars and steal information. My Comcast building has windows that are somehow tinted to reflect all sunlight (like reflective sunglasses) and at night the blinds automatically close.

 

[AFB]

It's extra cost that's not really needed.

Besides, hypothetically assume there's a really bad hurricane or storm. You don't want to increase your risk of loosing something to flood or blown out windows.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: aphex
We have a big Verizon building downtown, I would guess 7-8 stories high, without a single window...

is it all server/telco equipment? don't servers enjoy a nice view?

Having windows will allow in ambient sunlight which would heat up the space and stress the HVAC units even more IMO aphex.

 

[KillerCharlie]

I noticed that the big verizon building here doesn't have any windows either...

 

[episodic]

Pretty soon windows will be video screens broadcasting the outside view. . .

 

[CrackRabbit]

Originally posted by: AFB
It's extra cost that's not really needed.

Besides, hypothetically assume there's a really bad hurricane or storm. You don't want to increase your risk of loosing something to flood or blown out windows.

My father once told me a story of going through Corpus Christi, TX after Hurricane Carla had come through. There was a Bell Telephone building similar to what the OP described that had been reduced to a steel skeleton.
No windows doesn't mean no loss...

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Jason Bourne might be one of their clients... cuts down on the sniper action.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: episodic
Pretty soon windows will be video screens broadcasting p0rn. . .

Fixed!

 

[mugs]

The building probably houses switching equipment, not offices. No need for windows.

 

[IronWing]

They run Unix.


I can't believe we're in a roomfull of nerds and it seven hours to post this response.

 

[Eli]

Hmm.. That's a good question. I have no idea.

I used to live by a GTE(now Verizon) building, and the thing was a fortress. :Q

I never thought that others may be like that.

Edit: There are some good answers in here, though.

 

[EGGO]

Hmm. I didn't think they were all like that. The Verizon building nearby is just a house of bricks.

 

[CFster]

Originally posted by: ironwing
They run Unix.


I can't believe we're in a roomfull of nerds and it seven hours to post this response.

:thumbsup:

 

[Aimster]

because verizon is secretly working with the U.S govt. in cloning alien technology.

 

[dug777]

I was wondering exactly the same thing myself

The Telstra building downtown here is exactly like that...

 

[Eli]

I bet it has to do with the cooling issue more than anything.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Originally posted by: Eli
I bet it has to do with the cooling issue more than anything.

I would say it also has to do with the cost of getting the glass washed for no reason and replacing it should it get broken. Yeah, a hurricane or tornado can take down an entire building, but solid concrete walls will stand up just a bit better than glass will. Not to mention if there's any hail. And then there's also the fact that not having windows helps with security, you only have to worry about doors.

So, there is plenty of reasons for them to not feature windows.

 

[alkemyst]

old days of bell co's; no windows and often not locked. There was usually a guy inside, but the building was big.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: darkswordsman17

Originally posted by: Eli
I bet it has to do with the cooling issue more than anything.

I would say it also has to do with the cost of getting the glass washed for no reason and replacing it should it get broken. Yeah, a hurricane or tornado can take down an entire building, but solid concrete walls will stand up just a bit better than glass will. Not to mention if there's any hail. And then there's also the fact that not having windows helps with security, you only have to worry about doors.

So, there is plenty of reasons for them to not feature windows.

Except that I live in the Pacific Northwest and do not have to worry about any of those weather related things.

As far as security, that is pretty much laughable, IMO. There would be a hell of a lot more businesses with no windows if they were that big of a security risk. These are concerns that any architect would take into account, not just the ones working on TeleCo buildings.... It has to be something more specific to them, and I bet it has to do with air conditioning.

I bet server farms are setup in similar ways. They certainly aren't going to have ceiling to floor sized giant windows for the servers' viewing pleasure.

 

[crab]

Check this one out...

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: crab
Check this one out...

Wow, lol.

Maybe the answer that all of those who work at the Telecos are sadistic summabitches? lol

 

[spidey07]

It's part of the standards that regulate telecommunications equipment and their environment.

Windows means greater risk of weather damage.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: spidey07
It's part of the standards that regulate telecommunications equipment and their environment.

Windows means greater risk of weather damage.

Hmmm.. So it is more weather-damage related than overall efficiency related?

Weird.

Although, now that I think about it.. it does make sense. If TeleCos are required by law to help ensure that their equipment will continue working in the event of a natural disaster, then it makes perfect sense.

I just couldn't figure out why they would do it on their own accord.