In a world dominated by straight lines, grids, and right angles, a quiet revolution is taking shape—one that curves, flows, and connects. Increasingly, people across the globe are turning toward Circular Living—a lifestyle and design philosophy that embraces the values of wholeness, continuity, low waste and harmony with the natural world. But for Indigenous peoples, this isn’t a new trend—it’s a return to traditions that have long honored the sacred geometry of circles.
From the structure of tipis and hogans to the layout of ceremonial grounds, circular forms have always been integral to Indigenous lifeways. Today, this reverence for the circle is finding new expression through curved windows, architectural elements that embody both ancient symbolism and modern innovation. More than a design feature, these windows offer a spiritual connection to the past and a vision for Indigenous futures rooted in tradition and balance.
Reclaiming the Circle
In many Indigenous cultures, the circle is sacred. It symbolizes the cycles of life, the motion of the stars, the changing seasons, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Traditional dwellings, such as tipis of the Plains peoples, Navajo hogans, and longhouses of the Haudenosaunee, were designed with circular or semi-circular layouts that encouraged communal living and reflected these values of unity and harmony. Another example is the medicine wheel (also called the Sun Dance Circle or Sacred Hoop), an ancient and sacred symbol used by many Tribes. It signifies Earth’s boundary and all the knowledge of the universe.
As Indigenous architects and designers reclaim these ancestral forms, curved elements are reappearing in modern Native homes, community centers, and cultural institutions. And among these elements, curved windows stand out—not just as a visual statement, but as a spiritual and architectural bridge between worlds.
Letting the Light In
Curved windows break away from the rigidity of traditional Western architecture. Their gentle arcs allow natural light to enter in dynamic, shifting patterns that mimic the flow of sun and shadow across the land. This connection to the movement of time and nature resonates deeply with Indigenous perspectives on home and place.
In addition to their symbolic value, curved windows help blur the boundary between inside and outside. They invite in the landscape—whether it’s a desert vista, forested hills, or open plains—and create a sense of continuity with the natural world. This reflects Indigenous teachings that emphasize living in relationship with the earth, rather than apart from it.
The Craft Behind the Curve
Creating curved windows is a highly skilled and intentional process. Unlike flat panes, curved glass must be carefully shaped using heat and precision timing. The process of making curved windows is as follows: “Inside the kiln, the glass undergoes a slow and controlled cooling process. This allows the glass molecules to align and solidify in the desired curved shape, bringing the window to life. The cooling process is meticulously monitored to maintain the perfect balance of temperature and time, resulting in a flawlessly curved window.” This crafting process mirrors the care and intentionality found in Indigenous material culture—where nothing is created without purpose, and every element serves the whole. Just as a beadworker selects each bead with meaning, the creation of a curved window is a ceremony of transformation, where raw materials are shaped into something that carries light, story, and spirit.
Sacred Design in Contemporary Homes
For many Native designers and homeowners, incorporating curved windows is a way to infuse ancestral meaning into contemporary spaces. These elements help break free from the boxy confines of colonial architecture and instead offer spaces that feel more open, welcoming, and aligned with Indigenous values.
Architectural firms like IndigeDesign Collaborative and Design+Build Native are leading the charge by integrating circular layouts, curved façades, and organic materials into their projects—often guided by consultation with elders and community members.
For some, curved windows are not just a design feature, but a way to reclaim space—both physically and spiritually. In homes, they provide a literal window to the land and sky. In community centers, they open up gathering areas for circle dances, storytelling, and ceremony.
Returning to the Sacred
Incorporating curved elements into architecture and home design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about reconnection. Reconnection to land. To culture. To self. As more Indigenous communities engage in designing their own housing, schools, and cultural spaces, the return to circular living offers a path forward that is deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge and cultural resilience.
Curved windows, in this context, serve as portals—not just for light, but for renewal. They reflect a design language that honors balance, respects tradition, and embraces the future.
As the world increasingly looks to Indigenous perspectives for guidance on sustainability, harmony, and community, architectural choices like curved windows remind us that the sacred is not separate from the everyday. It’s built into the walls, it flows through the glass, and it shines in with the morning sun.
For more on Indigenous architecture and culture, do check our other articles featured in the magazine.
