Our 1950’s split level, like all other mid-century homes, does a lousy job with air circulation. The kitchen is smack in the middle of the house with one window looking out into the backyard. The kitchen is your hot and stinky zone. It really needs a cool breeze.

If we keep the front door open, there is enough cross ventiliation to suck all the hot air from the kitchen. So, as much as would like to lose the screen door, we can’t. My winning the lottery fantasies always involve plugging new windows all over the house. I would raise the ceilings and put in one of those cool new ceiling fans.

Here’s how architects are thinking about air circulation today.