Throughout the centuries balconies all over the world have not performed only a decorative function but were also regarded as useful parts of buildings. They were built from a variety of materials: older balconies were mainly constructed from stone or wood and secured with a wrought iron railing or stone balustrade; in recent decades, however, new materials have been introduced such as aluminium, stainless steel, glass, thermically treated wood. Balconies can be constructed as consoles fixed into the building structure or they can be built as separate structures. Besides the classical form of balconies there are also external, internal, and linear constructions that are similar to balconies. Balconies can also be found in literature, film, music, and of course in painting. In geography the word balcony denotes geographical and geological concepts which are akin to a balcony.
Functions of balconies depend on geography (climate) and on cultural habits or behaviour patterns of citizens. In several European countries the functions and structural changes are legally regulated. In Slovenia this particular area has not been fully regularized. Slovenia, however, does not trail beind other countries as far as cultural heritage is concerned, which offers splendid examples of balconies on hundreds of years old buildings such as homesteads, churches and even hayracks.
The questionnaire proved balconies to be an important part of urban surroundings as they provide connection with outdoors and are multifunctional; especially for drying the washing, socializing and relaxation, growing flowers and so on. Glazing, on the other hand, was not welcomed by many participants.
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