Sorry, I didn't mean "dumb" as meaningless but as plain and basic. I enjoy my windows very much and don't wish to anyone to spend their indoor time without windows days and nights.

On the sister comment about windows on the 33th floor, those will still have a ton of benefit from an health perspective as a source of natural light (full spectrum), open view (can focus to infinity instead of a few meters away) and overall mental relief if there's no fear of height.

There's actually the same debate on access to sun, where construction code usually prohibit a taller building from 100% occulting the sun from surrounding houses.

Those could be compensated by some artificial mechanism, but would not be guaranted to work. Windows FTW.

Lots of long term rentals have no window in Asia. Sure they're small and cheap-- but no need for bedrooms to "must" have windows.

And I've lived in them and they're fine. Forever no. For a few weeks or months on a budget sure.

"Must" have windows is simply a preference people have.

Fire codes require multiple exists not specifically windows that can be used as exists. Which is why people can live on the 30+ floor of buildings without fire escapes. Many people prefer sleeping in rooms without windows or block up existing windows.

Historically, these regulations were created to exclude the poor from areas. They do line up with most peoples preferences, but many would rather save in rent vs have a window.

A window on the 30th floor certainly isn't an escape route but the requirement does still enforce certain standards that in turn promote fire safety. A window means that every bedroom must be on an exterior wall. That simple rule means one cannot build huge warren-like buildings filled with tiny interior apartments, which would be an evacuation nightmare. The rule also forbids bedrooms deep underground.

Yes, this does make apartments more expensive but so does every rule that sets a minimum construction standard.

This isn't a rule everywhere. I have the largest and most windows I've ever had in an apartment and my bedroom is in the interior. I actually find it nice, no need for black out curtains, I can easily nap during the day.

My apartment is fitted with multiple sprinklers, which I assume gets it up to code.

Nor are fire escapes and sprinklers mandatory everywhere. Each local has its own standards but nobody should ever argue for a race to the bottom, that because some area doesn't do X that another area should follow that example just to lower costs.

As long as you maintain safety, more options aren’t a race to the bottom. People take cruise vacations on indoor cabins without windows demonstrating it isn’t a problem for a significant percentage of the population.

If a bedroom on the 33rd floor has sealed windows, what’s the rescue benefit or health benefit? (asking as a person who has lived in such a bedroom and sometimes slept in the closet to avoid noise and light)