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Editor: MICHAEL A. MIKKELSEN Contributing Editor: HERBERT CROLY Business Manager: J. A. OAKLEY

COVER The Ohio Stadium. From Original Drawing PAGE By Howard Dwight Smith

RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, Chestnut Hill, Pa.: Willing &- Sims, Architects . 371 By William Lawrence Bottomley THE OHIO STADIUM, at Ohio State University .385 jg By Howard Dwight Smith

BUILDING A NATION : Social Aspects of England's Housing Program . . .407 By Lawrence Veiller

IS IT ADVISABLE TO REMODEL SLUM TENEMENTS? . . . .417 By Andrew J. Thomas With Comment by Robert D. Kohn

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HOUSING FINANCE. Part I ... 427 By John Taylor Boyd, Jr.

RIVERDALE COUNTRY CLUB, New York City: Dwight James Baum, Architect . 433 By Michael A. Mikkelsen

near . L'OMBRELLINO, Florence, Italy . . , . . .441 By Harold Donaldson Eberlein

A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MUSEUMS 452 By Charles Over Cornelius

NOTES AND COMMENTS 461

yearly Subscription: United States, $S.OO; Foreign, $%.00; Single Copies, 35 cents. Copyright, 1920, by The Architectural Record Co. All rights reserved. Member Audit Bureau of Circulation. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD COMPANY 115-119 WEST FORTIETH STREET, NEW YORK

T. S. MOBOAN,iN, Pre. W. D. HADSELL,HADSEL/L, Vice-Pr.Vice-Pres. E. S. DODGE, Vioe-Pres. J. W. FRANK,FBANK, Sec'y-TreM.

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FOUNTAIN AND TERRACE RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHIL- ADELPHIA. WILLING & SIMS, ARCHITECTS. 370 THE ARC HITECTVRAL RECORD

VOLVME XLVIII NVMBER.V

NOVEMBER, 1920

- RESIDENCE OF M^9 B.P. PEPPEK - CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA WILLING

By WILLIAM RJ^N BOTTOMLEY

development of style is obscure close range. What, for instance, is the THEand slow, but it is as inevitable as influence of the Cubist style of painting Nemesis. It is easy from the per- upon the work of the sculptors or the spective of two or three hundred years, architects? Or what common cause is looking back at a period, to see its char- affecting the work of the poets and the acteristics, to trace its origins and de- musicians? Anyone can see certain out- velopment. On the other hand, when standing elements that are new to an working in a period of great activity and art, such as the Cubist movement in growth, such as the present, it is ex- painting, when it is a striking, a con- tremely difficult to gauge its trend or to scious, one might even say a blatant de- analyze its spirit. parture. Good or bad, subtle or obvious, All the arts in one period have com- the fact remains that here is something mon characteristics which differentiate new. It causes the most diverse opinions them from other times. Literature and and intense discussions. This kind of a music, painting, architecture and sculp- novelty in an art is noted by everyone ture are welded together in a unified who is at all interested in that art. group by their resemblances. All are Many are puzzled at its cause some closely related, and yet how hard it is to have a consciousness of a similar ten- see what these relationships are from dency in another art, as, for example, in 371 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

sculpture, where the effect in certain in- new movement one finds a reaching back stances is marked; but few people have into the far past, the past of the Gothic the analytical faculty, the time or the or the early Renaissance periods of interest definitely to trace its influence. France, England and Italy. There is a Certain characteristics of the style of new fondness discernable for old 'mo- the house of Mrs. B. F. Pepper, at tives dexterously handled, and handled Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, by Messrs. in a new and original way, such as ' Willing & Sims, architects, of Philadel- towers, casement windows, curved but- phia, mark it at once as an unusual and tresses and. consoles, interesting roof original piece of work, aside from its lines and different levels of floors. All great charm and distinction. Anyone of these characteristics may be seen in can see at a glance that it is very beauti- this new and beautiful American house. ful and that it is different from the They are s cleverly used that the effect typical house that is being done today, is one of perfect unity and balance; and but it is interesting to search further and while novel in its composition and treat- see just what are its salient points, what ment, the house undoubtedly is colloquial has inspired them, and where else they in its style and fits into its surroundings -may be seen. What effect they will have to perfection. in the future it is almost impossible for The fusing of all these foreign motives anyone to foretell. is accomplished successfully by a just There are tendencies in the work of and proper proportion between the dif- some of the architects today which those ferent parts, by the use of a consistent who run may read. It is not the work scale, and by broad and simple wall sur- of the academic school. It is a cult of faces of stone which serve the architect taste, a liking, sometimes a striving, for in much the same way as the color scale picturesque effects. In the work of this serves the painter. The result is un-

GROUMD FLOOR PLAN RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA. Willing & Sims, Architects. 372 MAIN ENTRANCE AND STAIR TOWER RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA. WILLING & SIMS, ARCHITECTS. 373 GARDEN, FROM GATE TO GREENHOUSE RESI- DENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA. WILLING & SIMS, ARCHITECTS. 374 375 GARDEN SIDE-RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADEL- PHIA. WILLING & SIMS, ARCHITECTS. 376 c J- t/i S^S^ M O ig s FU H ofa W hJ O Sri5 SH| w^So B ^ Tfe* Sg >rj5 ^?

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377 HALL RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA. Willing & Sims, Architects. doubtedly harmonious, when if slightly in the winter part of the year when the less skilfully handled it would have been leaves are off the trees. It is interesting a jumble. to notice that the evil, old roofed-in The plan follows the best traditions of piazza, darkening all the main rooms of country house design in making the gar- the first floor, has entirely disappeared. dens an integral part of the whole, as There is not even a roofed and screened necessary to the composition as they are living porch. The rooms are all per- for the perfect enjoyment of the house. fectly lit, have abundant sun, and afford The principal mass of the house contains as much outside air when the windows the hall and the dining room and the are open as it is possible to get. In bad service portion, with wings extending weather the choice is to remain indoors from it to form a long L shaped plan. in comfort, with plenty of air, or put on The living room is lengthened by a de- rainy day clothes and get right out into lightful outside walled garden facing on the weather and get some real exercise. the garden court, and from the other end This is a vast gain to the appearance of of the house the kitchen is linked up with the house, and it is also logical. Cer- the garage and greenhouse and outhouses tainly the open arched garden with its by a servants' porch and service court. sheltered seats and corners is an infin- Both the living room and the dining itely more beautiful, restful and pleasant room give on an enclosed garden to place to sit than any enclosed porch with the south and east, the dining room being a roof that can be conceived. This related to this court by a half octagonal treatment is more Italian or English arbor, which forms a delightful shade these two foreign peoples understanding for out-of-door meals in the summer, out-of-door living better than any other while giving full light to the dining room Europeans. It is the direct opposite of 378 HALL RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADEL- PHIA. WILLING & SIMS, ARCHITECTS. 379 DINING ROOM RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA. Willing & Sims, Architects. all American ideas and is an interesting stood on the pavement, of the intimate departure. knowledge and love of growing things in The sleeping porch is also conspicuous that household. Also the care with by its absence, this, too, being a .matter which the paving in the walled garden of personal taste. has been laid around the trees may well I can imagine nothing pleasanter than be noticed (page 357 and Frontispiece). actually living in the open air in what is The roof of the half octagonal break- practically a series of out-of-door rooms fast porch, opening from the dining such as these gardens. The shelter from room, is supported by fine iron lattices, the wind is perfect, and yet a sunny spot with a quaint, early Victorian feeling, can always be found if it is chilly, and and around the garden side of the house, on a hot, sunny day shady arbors and above the first story windows, is a really retreats are provided for every part of notable and successful treatment of a the day. And, best of all, for the winter, lattice for vines, formed of graceful when the leaves are off the trees and wrought-iron consoles supporting wood vines, there is nothing to obstruct the strips which hold the vines out from the sun from any window in the house. wall, giving a delicate shade and yet add- The treatment of the planting of trees, ing greatly to the appearance of the hedges, shrubs and vines is well done house (pages 374, 376 and 377). The and shows plainly not only a clever de- wood strips, of course, are the best ma- sign in the beginning on the part of the terial that could be devised for holding architects, but also an insight and an, the stems of the vines, and the iron con- appreciation on the part of the owner soles give a beauty and interest to these afterwards, as delightful as it is rare. lattices which is quite unusual. Anyone could tell by looking at the rows Other interesting pieces of wrought- of pots, with plants of every kind, stand- iron are seen in the balconies of both the ing here and there, placed on walls or garden and entrance sides of the house 380 DINING ROOM^RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA. Willing & Sims, Architects.

(pages 372 and 375), where, although the the surrounding lattices for vines and the design is of the simplest type, the bal- fountain of the enclosed garden seen in conies count in a strongly decorative way the Frontispiece, the stone work of the because of the fine contrast with the walls and the circular stair tower with background of stone. its pyramidal roof, and the wrought-iron Another general characteristic of this half-round transom of the front door, house which lends it great distinction is well shown on page 373. its restraint. There is not a dull part in There is a simplicity, almost austerity, either the exterior or the interior, and about the interiors that suits the charm- yet it is all simple to the last degree. It ing old Colonial furniture, and at thej is seldom, even in France, in the smaller same time a distinctly modern feeling houses of the fourteenth to the seven- about the architecture, imparting to the teenth centuries, from which this house house the same quality that is found in has drawn certain reminiscences, that a contemporary sculpture, in the work of design is found so little labored in effect, Manship or Nadelman. so genuine in freshness; here is often The main entrance door of the house a certain tendency to overaccentuate opens into a square hall of generous pro- minor detail. portions (page 378) that is most suitably The only note in the exterior which furnished. There is about the whole is discordant to me is the dormer win- house a singularly harmonious effect be- dow on the garden side, with its heavy tween the furnishings and the rooms flanking obelisks and curved tympanum themselves. In the hall we may note an and consoles a dormer that lacks the interesting treatment of the plain plaster elegancies of the rest of the design, and wall surface and a cornice that is nothing recalls a Dutch motive. more than a small cove moulding running There are certain points in the exterior under the ceiling. From one corner the

which should be noted : the arches with circular stair winds to the second story. 382 LIVING ROOM-RESIDENCE OF MRS. B. F. PEPPER, CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA Willing & Sims, Architects.

This is certainly an attractive feature, hall a door opens into the long living but the effect would be better if the room (page 383), a room with windows stairs had been made of stone or at least on three sides, where the sun pours in were all of one color. The hall is painted all day long. The living room has a a light green grey, with blue green cur- beamed ceiling, the narrow beams run- tains at the windows and hooked rugs on ning close together and contrasting the floor. strongly with the heavy girders. There The dining room (page 379) opens is no cornice here, and the beams rest directly from the hall. It is a light putty on the rough plaster wall. The stone color, with grey and gold brocade cur- fireplace is set flush with the wall instead tains. The view up the few steps that of against a chimney-breast (page 382). separate the two rooms is charming in This is a reminiscence of the early styles that simplicity which is so characteristic and is a departure from the Georgian of the house. There is a very slight trim tradition. The bookcases cover one side about the doors and the china cabinet. of the room. The color here is delightful. At the farthest end of the dining room The rich bindings, the brocade over the is a niche with the minimum of wood- fireplace, the paintings and rugs echo work set in the plaster wall (page 379). their lovely reds and golds from one part There are some lovely portraits in both of the room to another. dining room and hall that emphasize the Altogether the house is a refreshing eighteenth century feeling, and the beau- piece of work. It is virile and new, and tiful china and old silver add greatly to stands for the best of a movement in this the effect (page 380). country that is bound to have an impor- From the opposite side of the main tant effect on future work. 383 SOUTHWEST TOWER-OHIO STADIUM, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBUS. OHIO. 384 f^ The "^ > OHIO STADIUM AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

JOSEPH N.BRADFORD,UNIVER9ITY ARCHITECT HOWARD DWIGHT SMITH, DESIGNER. By Howard Dwight Smith,

jubilee gift of funds for a physical diversions. That these ideals THEgreat stadium by alumni and have been provided and have been kept friends of Ohio State University, free from commercialism is sufficient evi- on the occasion of the semi-centennial dence that the colleges and universities celebration of the founding of the Uni- have been successful in the execution of versity, is of general interest because of their trust. the place which this new structure takes In the football season just closing in the movement to provide housing ac- there have been over 1,500 regularly commodations for the nation-wide expan- scheduled games played by teams repre- sion of recreational activities, senting schools of major importance, and The increasing recognition of the some 1,000 or more by the teams of the necessity for coordination of physical and so-called secondary schools. This in it- mental development has not been con- self is an indication of the widespread fined to institutions of higher education. interest in that one branch of college But it has been left largely to the college athletics alone. A very conservative es- and the university to foster amateur timate of the number of spectators at the athletics and to provide ideals and major games would be, say, two millions leadership for all sorts of recreation and of people. There is a marked tendency 385 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. toward increased numbers of spectators in the great general class of colleges where each year at these major events. The physical education and its attendant activ- ever increasing number of partisan spec- ities have been extended in recent years. tators has given rise to the building of The administration of school lands for the accommo- huge seating structures granted by the Morrill Act of 1862 to dation of crowds who willingly pay to certain States and of the funds derived see intensive contests when the reward therefrom has varied greatly in character. for to the contestant is the mere victory In Minnesota, for instance, the lands were thrill of and the sentiment at- winning mostly kept intact, and today the income tached to the defense of home colors. from leases of ore and oil lands furnishes To the casual observer these great funds for University use. In Ohio, how- structures do not their real mean- signify ever, the lands were disposed of in one The of a ing. superficial impression great way or another until today the State Uni- structure be expressed in terms of may versity (under the original grant known thousands of but to the stu- spectators, as the "Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical dent the great structure represents the College") is dependent upon a fixed levy climax of his school's recreational activi- on the tax duplicate of the State for its ties, the show place for himself and for tuition and maintenance, upon special ap- those of his fellows who happen greatly propriations by the State Legislature for to excel in any one particular branch of its buildings, and special bequests. athletic endeavor. The great structure The of this condition and at any institution is the. climax of its ath- significance its the Ohio Stadium will letic system, the acropolis of athletic in- bearing upon be apparent when two facts are pointed spiration, the typification of a great ideal out. The first is that there are in Ohio which spurs each student on to do his some or colleges and uni- best in his own recreational pursuit. forty fifty versities, of much longer standing The English ideal of personal partici- many than the State and among pation in athletics has found expression University which the interests of the citizens of the in more or less scorn for a mere specta- State have been well divided. The tor. For a long period in America, pretty second is that all expenditures for the highly specialized athletics in our colleges State show in State and the development of well trained first University up quickly taxes. So while Smith was teams, to the exclusion of the general John sending his son to Ohio and his atheltic development of the student body, Wesleyan daugh- ter to Harcourt and well for it overlooked the great good of the English paying he could not be to bring ideal. Much pedagogical criticism of all, expected to bear his athletics from within has been directed much pressure upon represen- tative in the State to push at this fault; but happily this condition Legislature for an institution has been mostly overcome. Now the through appropriations " in which neither he nor perhaps any of 'Varsity" is merely the apex of the ath- his had an interest. For letic pyramid, an incentive, a goal for all neighbors years, therefore, Ohio State dragged athletic participation, and intercollegiate University as an educational institu- contests are but a development of intra- along slowly for aca- mural efforts. tion, with barely enough funds demic existence and no subsidy for phy- GROWTH OF ATHLETICS AT OHIO STATE. sical education or athletics. And even after of existence, when Conditions at Ohio State are so typical now, fifty years has com- of conditions at scores of similar institu- the University been placed by mon consent at the head of the State's tions that it might not be amiss briefly education the use of -State to sketch the development of athletic system, of such a struc- activities at that institution. In manv in- funds for construction ture as a Stadium could not be dreamed stitutions expansion in athletics has been of. greater than the general growth of the institution, not all as phenomenal as at Steady growth and corresponding in- Ohio State, but sufficient to place them crease in athletic prowess during the 386 f m$ ^\ - *?

THI<1 PICTOK.AI. MAP ' OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Plot Plan, showing proposed layout of the main portion of the campus, with the Stadium at the head of the great recreation axis, at the left. This plan includes all of the present buildings of the University proper, about forty in number. 387 Airplane View of Recreation Field, with a small portion of the campus to the right and the Olentangy River and University farm to the left, including the projected group of buildings for the Animal Husbandry Department. decade between 1900 and 1910 led to a of our nation's youth. Military training certain prestige in Ohio athletics, and has emphasized the importance of sys- preeminence in the "Big Six" or Ohio tematic physical training as nothing else Conference was fairly conceded by the has done in recent years. The great end of that period. A peculiarity of ath- advantage enjoyed by the college trained letic enthusiasm in any given institution man, and particularly the college trained is that it feeds on its own growth. Once athlete, has emphasized the beneficial its preeminence is conceded the athletic effect of college athletics upon physical youth of the State are drawn thither, training. The spirit of the American and by 1912, when Ohio State was ad- army is as well typified by the clean spirit mitted to the "Big Ten," or Western of college sport as by any other one thing. Conference,* she had gained sufficient Great impetus to athletic enthusiasm momentum to win the football champion- has been given by the movement for so- ship of that group twice in succession called "mass athletics," a movement (1916-1917), and to be the runner-up in which recognizes that only insofar as a third season (1919), when she lost to every student in any institution parti- Illinois in that now famous "last eight cipates in some form of athletic activity seconds." can the ideals of coordination of mental This great enthusiasm at Ohio State, and physical development be reasonably which has made possible the Ohio Sta- and rationally obtained. Mass athletics dium, has reached its crest at a time has for one of its aims, for instance, that when it has benefited by the impetus of condition of affairs where each student two great impulses. Athletic enthusiasm, has on his study card at least one form or enthusiasm for athletics, has become of competitive athletics in which he shall very marked since the revelations made be graded and in which he shall attain by the recent draft statistics of the sur- the same degree of proficiency as is re- prisingly poor physical condition of many quired of his academic work. Few per- sons know or realize that as a result of *The "Big Ten" is composed of Michigan, Minne- this mass athletic movement, there was sota, Iowa, Purdue, Wisconsin, Chicago, North Western, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. conducted for an entire week last spring. 388 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. without any interference with academic of providing more seating space was a work, a "mass athletics" meet in the business proposition with the Athletic Western Conference, in which the actual Board. But because of the close relation- scores in time, distances, etc., counted ship between athletics and physical edu- little more than did the number of con- cation, the Athletic Board realized the testants in the events. This mass ath- necessity of providing a structure which letics movement, taken together with could be used for the greatest number of intramural athletics, as, for instance, at purposes. The administration and finan- Ohio State, where there are thirteen cial management of intramural and inter- separate colleges within the University, collegiate athletics is vested in the Ath- indicates the universality of participation letic Board, appointed jointly by the of the great body of students in recre- Trustees, the President and the Alumni ational activities. Association. The executive is the Di- It has been argued that athletics in an rector of Athletics, who is also the head institution should end with this "mass" of the academic department of Physical participation and with intramural con- Education with the rank of professor. tests, and that intercollegiate contests of This arrangement has proven a very a spectacular nature are entirely super- satisfactory point of contact, which un- fluous. It is admitted that the greatest fortunately does not always exist between good for the greatest number has been academic and athletic interests in all in- derived from athletics by this participa- stitutions of higher education. tion of the rank and file. But the inter- With this community of interest, collegiate, the spectacular contest, is the therefore, the Athletic Board approached logical climax which has made the en- the problem of providing a structure tire system effective. As profesional which would best satisfy all the needs of baseball without a world's series, boxing the University. The problem at once bouts without decisions, peace without divided itself into its fundamental three victory, or a banquet with no dessert, so parts as in the case of other institutions. would be an extensive amateur athletic The first, the plan and seating arrange- system without the spectacular contests ment, to provide the proper field space, of the specially trained few. And so and the maximum income for minimum with every well developed college or uni- expenditure; the second, the appearance versity athletic system for the past quar- of the structure and its relation to other ter of a century has come the demand structures, or groups existing or pro- for some structure to seat large numbers posed; the third, structural expediency of spectators. and stability. THE GENERAL PROBLEM. LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY. The problem which presented itself at As the facts of the case now show, the Ohio State is not unlike the one which Athletic Board considered size and shape presented itself to other institutions of much greater importance than loca- Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Syracuse, tion, and their first efforts were spent in Michigan, Wisconsin, etc. In fact, the determining how large a structure could main problem is always the same, that is, be built and what shape would be most to place as large a number of seats as is advantageous. The matter of location, possible around a field of play and to by order of the Board of Trustees, how- provide as nearly perfect vision of the ever, placed the problem directly in the field as possible. There are but few hands of the University architect, minor variations of this problem which charged with campus development. The may occur, and these variations depend problem then became one of joint study, upon whether the structure is to surround always with relation to the general a field used for football only, or for foot- scheme of campus improvement as well ball and track, or for football, track and as of athletic needs. baseball. Fortunately, Ohio's campus, now of At Ohio State, as elsewhere, the matter nearly 900 acres, is all contiguous for 389 RENDERED PLAN OHIO STADIUM, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBUS, OHIO. 390 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

recreational ar- the most part, except the portion used for activities, infantry drill, aviation. farm purposes, within the city limits tillery practice and It in and in spite of the present more or less should be mentioned passing that informal location of buildings of diverse the question of external circulation was one of the considerations in the style, the possibilities of group planning early of location. of are quite wonderful. Fortunately, also, problem The gathering a the problem of the location of the Sta- crowd of 60,000 people presents no small dium was given to one who is responsible problem as regards approach, parking for the aspect of the 900 acres, for it was and retreat. The boulevard around the upon his drastic recommendation that entire field is of particular advantage. some ninety-two acres of fertile bottom There are two main avenues of approach land was appropriated from the College through the main part of the campus and of Agriculture and given to the Depart- five roads of approach and retreat outside ment of Physical Education and the De- the campus, with provision for a private partment of Military Science. car track loop connecting with the city In the recent studies for campus de- lines, with sufficient trackage to hold in velopment the group, or axial, plan has reserve enough rolling stock to carry a been used, superseding the informal unit third of the capacity of the Stadium plan. This scheme was followed in itself. a location for the Sta- recommending FEATURES OF THE PLAN. dium. It is placed on a new and import- ant axis, now known as the recreation There are three principal features in field groups on other axes being the the design of the Ohio Stadium which academic, engineering, agricultural, medi- distinguish it from other structures -of its cal, dormitory, etc. This location is far class. These are (1) the double deck, enough removed from the existing build- (2) the "bowed" or curved sides with an ings of the University to avoid conflict open end, and (3) the extensive use of of scale. The area covered by the en- the space under the lower deck. All of closure of the Stadium walls is as great these features grow out of the desire on as any ten buildings on the campus, and the part of the designers to satisfy cer- its height is over twice as great as the tain definite parts of the problem as pre- average height of the fifty other struc- sented by the Athletic Board and studied tures on the campus. The fact that the by them in conjunction with the Univer- general level of the bottom land is about sity architect. These features, as well as 25 feet below the average level of the all other details of the structure, have main part of the campus is not to be been studied in the light of precedent, overlooked in this connection. The ac- both architectural and structural, not only cessibility of the new location from the of ancient buildings of similar nature, but campus, however, avoids the difficulty particularly of contemporary structures. experienced in many institutions where All of the important stadia and amphi- athletic plants are not contiguous to the theatres used for athletic purposes have main portion of the campus. been quite fully described in technical The location of the Stadium on the new magazines from time to time, and all data recreational axis carries with it several with reference to them are readily avail- other interesting features. The straight- able for study. This study has been ening of the Olentangy River bed and the amplified by inspection and by inter- control of its flow between levees provide views with persons who are now inter- a boulevard and terrace along the west ested in their care and management, in side of the ninety-two acre plot, which order to determine just wherein these is to be reclaimed on the east by a similar contemporary structures have been suc- boulevard and terrace. The Stadium, cessful and wherein they have failed or therefore, occupies a focal position in might be improved upon. A report of this somewhat irregular ellipse, at the these inspections appeared in The Ameri- head of the axis on a practically level can Architect for July and August, 1920. field, which is devoted to athletics and all In the light of lessons learned from all 391 THIS HALF 5HOW5 SEATINq PLAN 3howi Upper Portion lower deck, only 5/1 Lower portion froth decM

DIAGRAM SHOWING STRUCTURAL SYSTEM AND SEATING ARRANGEMENT-OHIO STADIUM, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBUS, OHIO. 392 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. sources, it is thought that, for the present spectator is sensible of the presence of at least, the Ohio Stadium represents a nearly every other spectator, and (2) ap- satisfactory solution of the University proximate uniformity of seat value. A and community seating problem for out- third virtue might be noted in the possi- door events. Of the three features men- bility of unity and simplicity of archi- tioned above, the double deck is perhaps tectural composition. Opposed to these the most distinctive. It presents several virtues, the closed type, particularly those intricate problems of plan, circulation, ap- with curved sides, presents these draw- pearance and structural stability which backs: (1) a quarter-mile track cannot have made it a hard proposition to solve. be placed within the structure unless the Before discussing this feature it will be first seats are at a very great distance more logical, however, to consider the from the football gridiron; (2) no plan arrangement which involves the straightaway track for dashes; (3) poor second of the distinguishing features, the ventilation, particularly at the level of "bowed" side with the open end. the playing field, and (4) expensive con- struction involved in all seat OPEN AND CLOSED TYPES OF STADIA. building lines to curved plan. Of preceding structures, both ancient If nothing were to be considered but is and modern, there are two types : one (of football, there no question but that the which the Harvard Stadium is a modern closed bowl type is much to be preferred. example and the Roman Circus Maximus The Yale Bowl presents ideal conditions for football. all considera- a classic example) has straight sides and By ignoring tion of other it an open end; the other (of which the sports, particularly track, has been to construct an Yale Bowl and the Roman Coliseum are possible elliptical tier of seats, the inside row of which is typical) is entirely closed with all seat very close to the gridiron. The method lines curved in plan. There are certain of determining the size of this ellipse was features of both which are of types a simple one. The athletic authorities for modern athletic advantage staging determined just how close to the four features of events, and there are other corners of the gridiron the seats could be each type which experience has shown to placed for convenience and safety to be of decided disadvantage. players. Through these four points the Aside from imperfectly designed de- inner perimeter of the seat tier was de- tails and imperfections of execution the scribed. advantages and disadvantages of the two The method of determining size at types may be briefly stated. In favor of Harvard consisted in fixing the minimum the straight-sided, open-end type they are distance for convenience and safety be- (1) that it can be conveniently built tween gridiron and cinder track, and the around a quarter mile running track with minimum width of track. These dimen- "straightaways" for dashes; (2) sim- sions added to the width of the gridiron plicity of construction; (3) it lends itself have determined the diameter of the easily to good architectural composition, curved or closed end. This makes the and (4) the open end gives proper venti- average distance of the first row of seats lation. The faults to be found in the from the gridiron somewhat greater than straight-sided structure are not very seri- is the case at the Yale Bowl. At the open ous, but the chief ones may be enume- end of the Harvard Stadium the track is

: of out far rated as follows ( 1 ) great inequality completed, extending just enough seat values; (2) loss of the "crowd to make the entire length a quarter mile. It should psychology," and (3) tendency to ex- be remembered that no record pense and disfigurement in placing tem- events on the track can be run on less porary seats at the open end to increase than a quarter mile. These details of the capacity. In favor of the closed or Harvard and Yale structures are dealt amphitheatre type are two very strong with at some length because of their in- points: (1) beneficial effect of "crowd fluence on the plan adopted for the Ohio psychology" in a structure where every Stadium. 393 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

THE OHIO PLAN. son it is noted that the distance from the actual center of the to the near- With a view to combining the ad- gridiron est box seat is 150 feet, and to the top- vantages of both types, as outlined most seat on the upper deck above, and avoiding as far as possible directly op- posite the middle of the is 286 their disadvantages, the Ohio plan was gridiron feet. adopted. The curve on the sides has these with the been made as great as is considered prac- Compare figures fol- tical without making the middle seat lowing corresponding ones at Harvard sections appear too far away from the and Yale. At Harvard the nearest box seat to the center gridiron. This curve is calculated to of the gridiron (tem- give all the advantages of the "crowd porary boxes built out over the cinder psychology," which is a very attractive track) is 87 feet and the uppermost seat feature of the Yale Bowl. An added on the same line is 205 feet from the cen- advantage of the "bowed" side is the ter; the farthest seat at the closed end is equalizing of seat values. It has been 400 feet from the actual center of the found that in the case of the Harvard playing field. At Yale the nearest seat is Stadium the seats opposite the middle of 152 feet from the center of the ellipse and the gridiron on each side are considered the topmost seat on the cross axis is 375 far superior to those opposite the ends feet away, while the topmost seat on the of the gridiron. The pushing back of long axis is 475 feet from the actual the center sections has a tendency to center of the field. make the seats toward the ends of the OTHER TYPES OF MODERN PLANS. playing field relatively more desirable than they would otherwise be. This, of It is interesting to note that Syracuse course, reduces the difficulties attendant has attempted to combine the good fea- upon the sale of seats. tures of both the open and the closed The width of the track being deter- type by using straight sides and two mined at 25 feet to accommodate six 4- closed ends, building the structure around foot lanes (reduced to 22/l 2 feet on the a regulation quarter-mile track. This has curves) and a minimum space of \7y2 been fairly successful, except in the loca- feet being established between track and tion of a straightaway for dashes. The gridiron sideline, the diameter of the in- 220 yard straightaway has been provided ner wall of the closed end of the Ohio by running a tunnel through one end of Stadium becomes automatically fixed at the enclosure on a line with one of the 250 feet. By methods of "cut and try," straight sides of the track. It has been is has been determined that the depth of noticed that runners are at a decided dis- the "bow" on each side should not exceed advantage in running on tracks of this feet. kind, because of variations in tempera- The entire length of the structure is ture and atmospheric conditions in the 760 feet, determined largely by the re- tunnel and the invariable outward draft, quired seating capacity, fixed by the Ath- due to difference in temperature on the letic Board at approximately 60,000, and inside and outside of the Stadium. Even the maximum distance deemed desirable when atmospheric conditions are nearly for good view of the playing field. In uniform inside and outside of the tunnel, plan the gridiron is not placed with its the mental hazard handicaps the runner middle line on the cross axis of the Stadi- who is unaccustomed to running under um or the track, but is moved up 25 feet such peculiar conditions. toward the closed in end order to equal- It is also interesting to state that at the ize the seating value of the extreme ends University of Washington, -where it is of the and the circular wings portion. The proposed to build a large new Stadium, distance from the actual center of the the architect, Mr. Carl F. Gould, and the gridiron to the farthest seat at the circu- engineers associated with him, without lar end is 420 feet and at the two end conference with the designers of the Ohio towers is 390 feet. By way of compari- Stadium, but by strikingly similar lines 394 395 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. of study, have arrived at a very similar on the long axis at the curved end will "bow-sided" plan, with a somewhat simi- be able to see the goal line at the far lar cross section and sight line, although end of the field. This assumption, of all other details are quite dissimilar. course, makes the average sight line along The proposed Stadium for the city of the sides more favorable. For conveni- Chicago, designed as a recreational civic ence in building the risers vary in blocks center for the municipality, is to be a of four for the bottom two-thirds of the straight sided, open end structure, but of lower deck. The sight line is also so such huge dimensions, particularly as to arranged that the spectators in the lower length, that of its potential seating capaci- rows may see the middle line of the ty of 100,000 not more than 25,000 or cinder track. The location of the lower 30,000 seats can be conveniently arranged edge of the upper deck has been deter- about a football gridiron. The architec- mined by assuming a sight line on the tural success of the attenuated plan in long axis for a person standing at the this instance, however, is assured. outside wall and being able to see the goal line at the end of the THE CROSS SECTION. opposite gridiron. The proper disposition of boxes is also To any one studying Stadium design a matter to be determined on the cross the cross section tells the most interesting section. For actual seeing value only story. The cross section determines the those boxes near the center of the field convenience of the ease and circulation, are of much worth, but the usual demand convenience of and the con- sight sitting for box seats in any location for social venience of the The cross spectators. purposes is one which it is profitable to section of the Ohio Stadium is particular- meet, provided it can be done without in- because it shows the de- ly interesting, terference to other seating. In the Ohio tails of the deck feature. upper Stadium three rows of steps are devoted Of the dozen or so stadia and large to boxes, with the top row placed on the in this the one amphitheatres country, same level as the principal bottom hori- detail in common which is most easily zontal circulation just above the level of is the between the compared relationship the playing field. The total capacity of rise and tread of the section. The seating the box space is approximately 1,700. principal ones are tabulated as follows: CIRCULATION AND CONTROL. Name. Tread, in. Rise, in. Harvard 27 15 Circulation within the structure in- Princeton 30 15 to 17 volves two principal considerations. The College N. Y 28 16 City distribution of Yale 30 8 to 12 first is that of convenient the Syracuse 27 18 the spectators as they assemble and 9 to 2 Michigan 24^ \2y rapid and safe dispersal as they leave. Tacoma 27 18 The second is the matter of control and San Diego 30 17 ticket for architectural Chicago (proposed) ... 30 approx. 8 to 12 taking. Chiefly the concentra- Ohio State (low. deck) . 30 11 to 17 composition, and not for Ohio State (up. deck) .30 24 tion of assembling crowds, has the en- trance feature at the circular end been It is generally conceded that Harvard's it is rec- 27-inch tread is a little too narrow, and emphasized. As a matter of fact, that the 30-inch tread at Yale and Prince- ognized that the best results in handling are obtained ton is practically perfect for seating com- assembling crowds by selling fort. tickets at isolated points away from the Variation in the riser to provide a clear structure and by effecting the greatest distribution outside of the struc- sight line for the lower seats has been possible determined in the Ohio Stadium by as- ture itself, and that the route from en- suming for each row a clearance of four trance to seat be as short and direct as inches over the average head line of the possible. This is a problem both of plan row immediately below it. The sight line and of cross section. The location of is assumed so that spectators in the seats "eyes" or portals is a matter of cross 396 NORTH ENTRANCE OHIO STADIUM, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBUS, OHIO. section. At Yale and at Princeton the seating capacity by about 550 and not in- portals are located at the midway point terfering with the control or distribution of the cross section. The spectators are of the spectators. delivered to these portals by ramps and In those structures where topographic are allowed to distribute themselves up conditions permit the entry of spectators and down from the midway point. This from an outside level above the playing system has proven very satisfactory in field, as at Yale, Princeton, and the pro- practice. In both cases admission tickets posed Seattle Stadium, the problem of are taken at two isolated points in an vertical circulation is comparatively enclosing fence at some distance from simple. But in the Ohio Stadium, as at the structure, and reserved seat stubs Harvard, where the ground level is very indicate the proper entrance portal. close to the water level of the adjoining At Harvard the cross section shows river, the entire crowd must be elevated to the tiers means of vertical two rows of "eyes" or portals, dividing seating by circulation. the cross section into three parts. The upper row of portals is fed by four great The accompanying diagram shows the staircases and a distributing promenade. circulation system as finally developed for This system proved quite effective in the Ohio Stadium. Portals are provided emptying the seats rapidly, but experience at the rear of the boxes just above the has shown that rapid emptying of the level of the playing field, at the prome- Harvard is not altogether desirable be- nade line two-thirds of the way up and in cause of the excessive congestion that oc- the upper deck one-third of the way up curs at the Larz Anderson Bridge over from the bottom. Around the entire the Charles River, across which practi- structure is a circulating corridor, which cally the entire crowd must circulate. In can be entered through any arch in the recent years, therefore, the upper row of exterior wall. Directly opposite each ex- portals has been closed with temporary terior arch opening there is an opening seats for major games, increasing the in the inner screen wall of this circulating 397 Exterior Elevation of a south tower and a portion of the adjoining wall according to the final scheme of continuous, open and exposed expansion joints.

corridor, which leads directly to one seat- to the circulating corridor through any ing section. The diagram indicates by number of exterior arches, allowing sec- various kinds of lines the line of travel ondary distribution in the corridor itself. from this corridor to each of the portals By the simple expedient of opening the in the seating tiers. Every third open- gates of the exterior arches into and ing leads directly across the structure across the corridor it is possible to control on the ground level to the lower row of each seating section at the exterior wall. portals by which the boxes and the The possible combinations of control are bottom half of the lower deck are served. thus practically unlimited and can be ar- All other openings lead directly to stairs ranged and rearranged almost instantly, which end in ramps leading to the according to the size and intensity of the upper portals. These stairs are arranged crowd to be handled. The success of the in pairs in such a way that cross circula- double-deck venture is largely dependent tion may be prevented entirely. By this upon the convenience of that part of the system all confusion in ushering specta- vertical system which serves it. tors is avoided and by proper guidance THE DOUBLE DECK. control at the ground level. By appropri- ate marking of the arches on the exterior The chief reason for the use of a wall it is possible to make almost perfect double deck is to provide a larger pro- distribution of any large crowd as ir as- portion of the entire seating capacity sembles. near the playing field than is possible with The extreme flexibility of this scheme a single deck. From the cross-section it of circulation, as indicated by the dia- will be noticed that the upper deck is gram, will be apparent from even a casual hardly more or less than an upper sec- inspection. Spectators may be admitted tion of a single deck moved forward until 398 O u o -a

d a *

399 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

it overlaps the lower sections. These "sweltering crowd of 22,000 people." The seats are therefore placed just that much upper deck of the west wing of the Ohio nearer the playing field. This device pre- Sfcidium will shade approximately 12,000 sents two new problems which are not seats by the middle of the afternoon in in found a single deck. They are ( 1 ) the summer. The roof value in inclement structural problem of isolated supports to weather is of some importance, but this interfere least with sight lines, and (2) is not a prime consideration. difficulties of architectural composition. The engineering problems involved in The athletic authorities are agreed that the upper deck scheme may be solved by the increased value of seating space near sufficient ingenuity and the proper ex- the playing field, as well as the very great penditure of funds. The architectural advantage of roof protection thus afford- problem involved is not so easy of solu- ed to a portion of the lower deck seats, tion. The great overhang of the canti- is worth the study and expense neces- levered portion and the great distance be- sary to produce satisfactory results. The tween supports create a condition which question of sight lines has been discussed no architect relishes. The elimination of before and also that of shutting off the a closely spaced colonnade deprives the view of the rear seats of the lower deck. designer of a graceful and powerful ar- chitectural device for The support of the upper deck is affect- depicting scale. The and massiveness of an ed by a series of posts located along the apparent weight line of horizontal circulation two-thirds upper deck of masonry, carried on few of the way up the lower deck. These col- partially concealed supports, create an anachronism to the of a umns are approximately sixty feet apart eye profession in (three bays on the line of the exterior trained the proportions of stone ma- This structural wall measure sixty feet) and are doubled sonry. seeming paradox can be overcome in order to provide separate support for only by logical expres- each structural section of the Stadium. sion of reinforced concrete forms, de- and executed in the same These columns support girders about signed good taste reasonable as is re- seven feet deep, over which the lower and proportion of stone fourth of the upper deck is cantilevered. quired masonry. Structural is secured hori- stability by ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER. zontal braces from the column tops to the outside wall and by knee bracing in the Properly to express the ideals for three other directions. which it is built and influenced by all the The arrangement of columns is such ties of sentiment and historic precedent, follows the that lines drawn from gridiron goal posts, the Ohio Stadium example past the columns along the two sides of of most of its contemporaries and de- the structure show that there is a large pends upon monumental simplicity and its char- triangle of seats between each two posts classic severity for architectural extending back to the outside wall, where acter. While the double deck determines the view of the gridiron is entirely un- very largely the architectural composition impeded. of the structure, the expression of monu- The protection which this upper deck mental character in the use of an upper affords over a portion of the lower deck deck is a new and untried thing. There is of considerable importance. The spec- are examples of double-deck stadia, not- tators at early fall games experience some ably those of professional baseball, such inconvenience due to warm temperatures, as the Polo Grounds in New York, but but in many instances at spring and sum- in no instance has there been any pretense mer games the spectators actually suffer to monumental character. Indeed, in all from exposure to the sun. Only recently such cases there is a decided theatrical there appeared in the Sunday graphic character which it is desirable to avoid in section of one of the metropolitan news- these collegiate structures. papers a photograph of an athlete per- The horizontal subdivision made by the forming in the Olympic trials before a wide flat band on the exterior wall sug- 400 CIRCULATION DIAGRAM

Diagram of the circulation system, showing method of control along outside corridor.

gests the top of the lower deck. This screen wall of the upper deck, with its band has been carried around on the in- small, square windows and its engaged side and is made to coincide exactly with pilasters, partakes somewhat of the char- the concrete beam which forms the lower acter of the top story of the Coliseum. fascia of the upper deck. This fascia, Thus the exterior is fairly well connected twenty-seven inches deep, extends around with accepted classic tradition. The use the curve over 1,500 feet in length from of these classic forms, however, does not tower to tower, and is relieved of the detract from the novel composition sug- apparent incongruity of being an attenu- gested by the south elevation and the in- ated beam by the regularly expressed ends terior views. The impression created is of the concrete rafters which support it that the structure consists of a long two- at intervals of approximately eight feet. storied horseshoe, terminating in towers Externally the principal feature is the at each end, and that in front of this great semi-circular entrance at the closed structure has been placed an inner tier of end, with its coffered semi-dome. The seats extending down to the ground level. arch over this entrance is one hundred This is especially emphasized by the de- feet high and seventy-two feet in diameter sign of the end features, where the tiers and suggests the character of the great of seats have been set between stepped niches of the Roman baths. The coffered wing walls placed symmetrically about ceiling also suggests the very well-known the axis of the tower. The arched en- example in the Roman Pantheon. The trance to the team quarters forms an in- continuity of stilted arches along the low- teresting spot in the composition of the er portion of the exterior wall suggest, end feature. The treatment of the end perhaps only remotely, the composition motives has been designed to avoid the of the Roman aqueducts and bridges. The apparent bareness and incompleteness 401 Interior Elevation of a south tower, a portion of the seat tiers, and the entrance to the team room. felt in the end walls of the Harvard and per screen wall represent points of rein- the Princeton stadia. forcement in that wall and are of the The entrance feature is emphasized but same Tuscan order as the enclosed order little on the interior. The seats of the up- of the towers. The embellishment on the per deck pass right over the semi-dome. curved walls of the front entrance con- The irregular shaped space between the sists of a wainscot of bronze panels, upon semi-circular entrance and the line of which are found the names of the columns supporting the upper deck is founders, patrons, donors and subscribers taken up with rest rooms and space for whose generosity has made the Stadium a motion picture projectors, spot lights, etc. possibility. All moulding profiles are susceptible of For surface treatment of the concrete, being worked in concrete. Relief from the Ohio Stadium follows the frank ex- monotony of color and surface is af- pression of material found in the Har- forded by the inlaying of terra cotta or- vard Stadium, which after seventeen nament in the form of a festoon band on years of wear has proven very successful. the towers around the semi-dome, and The interesting texture given to the great over each of the blind arches of the ex- flat areas of concrete by the form marks terior wall. These blind arches are in- may not have been entirely intentional. troduced to relieve the monotony of the The effect, for instance, of the markings continuous arcade and to give expression from horizontal planks placed at regular to the vertical circulation of the upper intervals in sections of vertical planks in deck. The entablature of the enclosed the end towers of the Harvard structure order in the towers is of colored terra is as interesting in composition and pro- cotta. The engaged pilasters on the up- portion as it is in the frankness of mate- 402 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. rial expression. The possibilities of this units. Thus the Stadium consists of economical method of obtaining interest- thirty- four separate and distinct units ing surface texture are also suggested by which have nothing in common except the results obtained at the Army Supply footings. Pier dimensions and arch spans Base in Brooklyn by Mr. Cass Gilbert, in the exterior wall have been so propor- where no extra surface treatment has been tioned as to accommodate the joints be- resorted to to eradicate the form mark- tween adjoining units without any over- ings or even the marks left by the wire lapping or slip joints. The vertical sup- cross bracings. Surface tooling, which ports at these expansion joints are all was begun on the Harvard Stadium but doubled so that girders and beams of each abandoned because of its expense, is used section may be supported entirely by ele- to great advantage in giving a finishing ments of the units in which they occur. touch around mouldings and openings. This is an amplification of the successful system used in the substructure of the STRUCTURAL SYSTEM. Harvard Stadium, where girders of each section bear upon piers located about The of both acceptance concrete, plain three feet from each end, with the gir- and as the most effective ma- reinforced, ders of adjoining sections butting to- terial for both for large operations gether leaving a 6-foot space between the and of construction has economy facility adjacent columns. new for the presented problems designer The only extraordinary features of as well as for the The science engineer. structural design involved are the heavy of concrete slab and beam construction girders spanning the 60-foot space be- has been as standardized as that of the tween the columns which support the up- rolled steel section. For the engineer, per deck, and the design of these coupled however, the two involved great problems columns to make them as thin as possible in concrete construction of size are great in order to obstruct as little as possible first the to insure necessary inspection the view of the playing field from the laboratory perfection of execution, and seats in the upper portion of the lower second the location and of design expan- deck. sion joints. The first only affects the The upper deck is constructed largely architectural insofar as it should designer of steel, much after the scheme of the influence him in the creation of avoiding entire Harvard Stadium. Precast seats intricate or impossible conditions. in short lengths are used, and the steel of how- The problem expansion joints, work is protected with cement. The en- ever, has come to be as for important tire lower deck is constructed as a slop- the architectural as for the designer ing roof slab, in order to form proper structural of the engineer. Experience protection to the space below. On thic decade has that in past proven large op- roof slab are placed precast seat sections, erations it is to conceal ex- impractical in short lengths, resting on lugs cast in also shows pansion jioints. Experience the sloping slab. A system of seat drain- that butt in are simple joints single planes age is provided, with catch basins at nu- most effective and the least dif- present merous intervals throughout the cross sec- in maintenance. ficulties tion in order to prevent the weathering Consequently, the structural system effect of water washing down over great employed in the design of the Ohio Sta- areas of seats. Gutters are provided un- dium is that of building integral sections der expansion joints, to take care of the consisting of three bays each, which unavoidable leakage at those points. The measure sixty feet along the face of the stairways of the vertical circulation sys- outside wall. The central portion of the tem are of firescape construction. The main entrance forms a structural unit. footings for the entire structure rest on Each of the towers on either side of the the gravel of the former bed of the Olen- entrance arch and the two at the south tangy River, which now flows to the ends of the structure also form separate west of the entire recreation field.

403 Diagram Elevation and Floor Plans of the south towers, showing their use for housing a portion of the recreational accessories.

UTILITARIAN FEATURES. the arena on the various levels for hous- When the South Side Park Commis- ing projection booths and spotlight ap- sion undertook to conduct a competition paratus, as well as ticket offices, dressing for the choice of an architect and a and retiring rooms. With a removable scheme for the Municipal Stadium for stage across the upper end of the arena the City of Chicago, one of the require- unlimited possibilities are suggested for ments of their program was that the space the use of the Stadium. But such ex- under the seats of the amphitheater be tensive use of the space under the seats, put to some use besides mere circulation. as suggested by the Chicago project, is To attract the support of a great va- new, if not in idea, certainly in execution riety of business and civic interests, the in this country. The fact that the space inclusion of such a feature in the Stadium is there, and is available if properly dis- project was a valuable one. That feature posed and finished, is sufficient reason for received a great deal of attention from trying to extend the use of the capital in- the competitors and several interesting vested in the structure as far as possible. and practical ideas were developed. The Few large college stadia make any use availability of the open arena itself for of the space beneath their seats for any civic events, pageants, dramatics and purpose except for storing the care- other things besides athletic activities has taker's tools or some such comparatively not been minimized, but that particular insignificant use. At Yale, of course, use of such structures has always been there is no available space, all the seats more or less accepted. resting directly upon earth. At the City In the new Ohio Stadium the capacity College there are showers and stairs in of the semi-circular' end of the structure the towers. At Princeton there is a lit- is nearly 20,000 on account of the double- tle storage space. At Harvard there is a deck feature. Convenient use is made track under the outside corridor, but it is of the irregular shaped spaces between not continuous. The structural system the curved walls of the great entrance and at Harvard, with small precast seat sec- the straight walls facing the interior of tions resting directly on steel supports, 404 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. leaves a great many interstices which are vault lights in every third seating section, not weatherproof. Many who have been gives light into this inside space. The at the Harvard Stadium testify to the fact placing of all vertical circulation along this that the stands "leak like a sieve." While outside corridor frees the interior space it would be well if the space under the from use for circulation except for aisles stands were available for track or train- on the ground level leading in from every ing purposes, still the existing condition is third arch. A series of heavy columns evidence of one of the secrets of the pres- comes directly under those previously ent excellent structural condition of the mentioned which support the upper deck ; Harvard plant. Natural expansion and but between this row and the next row contraction of the concrete is taken up of columns, toward the center of the in the small seat units and no attempt is arena, a continuous space is provided, made to keep the interstices between them forty-four feet wide, which is unemcum- cemented up. bered by supports of any kind. This The need of space for training quar- space is undivided and is available for ters, for team rooms, and the like, at Ohio training purposes for all branches of State, and the possibility of greater appeal athletics, as well as for exhibitions, car- to the friends of the University who have nivals, industrial and trade shows. Along so generously supported it have led to the one wing is provided a six-lap to the mile development of the scheme for using all indoor running track for training pur- the available space under the stands for poses, so arranged that the coach or some purpose or other, giving the great- trainer can see every portion of it from a est return for the investment in the central point. While there is sufficient structure. height for pole vaulting along the high Since ample stairways have been pro- side, yet the track authorities venture the vided around the entire structure, the end opinion that the mental hazard of a con- towers are not needed for extensive ver- crete roof above will prevent the best work tical circulation. They have, therefore, in that branch in the interior quarters. been given over entirely to team rooms, How THE FUNDS WERE RAISED. showers and lockers. Economy and con- venience of maintenance have made it ad- To the profession the line of thought visable to keep the small rooms and those which has produced the structure herein quarters requiring mechanical equipment, described is perhaps of at least passing such as plumbing and heating, arranged interest. To the layman it will be of in the tower units. The main power plant equal interest perhaps to know how the of the University is located only about a project was "put over." It may not be thousand feet from the southeast tower. irrelevant, therefore, to make some men- The plans are arranged so that for foot- tion of the plan by which the Ohio ball, for instance, the Varsity will use one Stadium has been made possible. tower and the Freshmen the other, and As has been pointed out in these pages, for intercollegiate contests the visiting the current financial support from the team will use the Freshmen quarters. State for University purposes is so en- Entrances from these quarters to the field tirely absorbed in keeping up with the are by the low arches on the axis of the educational demands of the State along end section of seats at the towers. purely academic lines, that to expect any The space under the seats, however, is assistance from the legislature for a huge made available for use by the roof slab athletic plant has never been deemed pos- covering over it and by the judicious ar- sible. The influence of far-seeing legis* rangement of columns in it to allow as lators, however, has made it possible to much free space as possible. The inside use the land and to provide from time to screen wall of the great circulating cor- time for certain parts of the larger scheme ridor around the entire Stadium is mostly the great recreational field and those of glass, in metal sash, such as are used features of it which come under regular for factory work. This, together with campus development and maintenance. 405 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

Through the guidance and direction of on two seats, in each case for a period of the Athletic Board, therefore, it has fal- ten years. len to the alumni and friends of the Uni- That the actual study and designing of versity to give this great thing to the In- the Ohio Stadium has been the work of stitution and to the State. In the fifty willing hands is evidenced by a glance years of the University's existence, its at the personnel of the force which is alumni have not been generous toward it. responsible for its production. The men In fact, taking for granted that the school who have worked on the problem have is the child of the State, its alumni have been men who are not only interested in never felt the need of giving to its sup- its success from an architectural and port. But just as its alumni list is grow- structural point of view, but who by close ing at the rate of a thousand a year, and ties to the University itself have had a these alumni are seeing on every hand sentimental interest in it which has in- the alumni of other institutions giving spired them to their best efforts. liberally to the support of privately en- Professor Joseph N. Bradford, class of dowed colleges, they have been called 1883, is head of the Department of Ar- upon to participate in the erection on the chitecture and since 1912, as University campus of their Alma Mater one of the Architect, has been in charge of all build- greatest athletic plants in the country. ing construction and development on the The scheme has been developing in the campus. He has been assisted by Pro- Athletic Board for several years, and the fessor Howard Dwight Smith, '07; C. F. Board of Trustees liberally authorized Mayer, Jr., '09, and H. F. Reichard, '13. the University Architect to cooperate in The structural engineering on the Sta- the development of the scheme, which dium has been in charge of William S. made it possible for all commercialism to Hindrhan, formerly of the Civil Engineer- be removed from the study of the project. ing faculty and Bridge Engineer of the The Athletic Board has been assisted by State Highway Department. Professor a general committee of alumni and promi- Clyde T. Morris, class of '98, has been nent Ohio citizens. in consultation on concrete design. The basis upon which financial support As an alluring commercial venture the was accorded was upon the sale of seat creation and use of the Ohio Stadium options. Founders, those whose gifts presents its least appeal. As a great ideal amounted to $5,000 or over, secured op- it has crystallized in and about itself a for of ten tions on boxes a period years ; new and vigorous University enthusiasm, Patrons, those contributing from $1,000 a strong community spirit and the loving to $5,000, secured options on six seats; pride of a great State. Donors, contributing from $200 to That our youth may have and $1,000, secured options on four seats, strength, in spirit, in mind Subscribers, whose contributions ranged and in the body, to fulfill their between $100 and $200, secured options broader service to humanity.

406 LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL COTTAGES AT HAMMERSMITH. BUILDING A NATION SOCIAL ASPECTS OF ENGLAND'S HOUSING PROGRAM

LAURENCE VEILLER, SECRETARY OF T1JENATIONAL. HOUSING ASSOCIATION

is a thrilling sight to see a nation situation, a shortage estimated at a mil- ITthat a few months ago was fighting lion houses, the almost complete cessa- for its life, with its back to the wall, tion of private building for a period of resolutely setting itself about the colossal five years, a serious lack of the requisite task of building all the houses that the materials and labor, with uncontrolled country needs, to the number of 500,000, and constantly rising prices, involving and at the staggering cost to the tax- rents beyond the purchasing power of the payers of over one hundred million people. dollars' loss every year for a period of The problem which has confronted sixty years. That is what England is the Government in England has been how doing. to meet the housing shortage in the least There has probably been no instance time at as low a cost as possible, and in history where a nation has undertaken with the least unsettlement of social, housing operations on so vast a scale. industrial, and economic conditions. and the advantages and disadvantages It is beyond the purpose of this article of the experience thus afforded have to enter upon a discussion of the merits value for the other countries of the of the much mooted question of govern- world. ment ownership and operation of public America faces very much the same utilities, or of the desirability or unde- 407 LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL COTTAGES .AT HAMMERSMITH. Variety obtained by simple, means. sirability of Government's entering the every effort is being made to keep down fields of commerce and industry and in- the cost of houses to the lowest possible terfering with the natural laws of trade. basis. It should be stated, however, that the What it has done has been to obtain method adopted by England, of meeting from Parliament large powers with which her housing needs at the close of the to deal with this question. The Govern- war, does involve placing upon the tax- ment has chosen deliberately not to build payers of Great Britain very heavy bur- houses through a central federal organi- dens. For, the taxpayers of that coun- zation, but to rely upon the ability of try are being called upon, to the extent 1,800 different local authorities, scat- of over one hundred million dollars a tered throughout England and Wales, to year, to make good the loss resulting cope with their own local problems, the from the building of houses at a time of Central Government furnishing guid- excessive costs houses which cannot be ance, advice, direction and financial as- rented upon the basis of an economic sistance. rent. The method of furnishing the funds No person can view this departure needed has been to approve the issuance from fundamental economic law without of bonds by the larger municipalities, serious misgivings. It is essentially un- bearing interest at six per cent., and, in sound, and those in the seats of authority the case of smaller communities, to make in England who are carrying out this direct loans from the Central Govern- policy so regard it. They justify it ment. In addition, the Central Govern- however, as a post-war emergency meas- ment has guaranteed to the various com- ure. munities to make good the annual loss The Government in England, wisely or that is bound to be incurred by building unwisely, has felt it to be its paramount at a time of excessive cost. duty to meet its housing needs in the In order to encourage private enter- quickest possible time, irrespective of prise to reenter the housing field, from what it may cost the country, although which it had almost entirely departed, 408 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

the Government is also offering subsidies ernment to the permanent policy of Gov- to private builders of 260 for each cot- ernment-built and Government-operated tage erected. As such cottages are cost- houses for all the people of the country. ing at the present time on an average It is also feared that the adoption of 1,000 each, it is apparent that the Gov- the present policy of renting houses be- ernment is offering a subsidy of prac- low an economic rent will mean the es- tically one-fourth of the cost of the tablishment permanently of subsidized house, in order to encourage the private houses and the consequent pauperization builder. of labor. To what extent the offer of these sub- All of this naturally involves the plac- sidies will attract the private builder back ing of heavy financial burdens upon into the field it is hard to say. The latest people already overburdened with high figures available show that up to Septem- taxes. So far as can be observed these ber 3 plans had been passed for 18,639 seem to be the chief disadvantages of houses to be built by private builders who England's present policy. are to receive the Government subsidy, The advantages, however, resulting representing a commitment by way of from England's undertaking at this time subsidy of 4,515,008. Already the sum the task of providing all the houses of over 236,633 has been paid out in needed by her people are very great. subsidy by the Central Government for In the first place, houses are actually 1,137 completed houses. being built to meet the very serious situa- The disadvantages of the policy which tion resulting from the housing shortage. the Government in England has adopted While the number of houses actually are chiefly of an economic nature. completed at the present time is com- Some observers believe that it will paratively small, namely, something less mean the permanent elimination from than 3,000, the present indications are the housing field of the unsubsidized pri- that the number produced will in a short vate builder. The natural consequence ot time be very large. Up to August 11 this will be the commitment of the Gov- 83,014 houses had been included in

LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL COTTAGES AT HAMMERSMITH. Containing five rooms and bath. In 1911 each house cost 300, as against 1,125 today. THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

and had ac- "brick boxes with signed contracts, building a slate lid," so dreary tually commenced on 23,300 houses, of as to make one almost prefer that other which at that time 2,303 had been com- house, shorter and not so wide, but no pleted. The Central Government had on more rigid in type, referred to in the old September 18 received from the local epitaph discovered in a wayside church- authorities over 5,838 applications for the yard which runs : approval of house plans involving the "In memory of Rebecca Rogers, who erection of 257,184 houses, and of these died August 22, 1689, aged 44 years. 5,122 applications providing for 241,294 A house she hath it's made of such good houses had been actually approved. , Con- fashion, tracts for the erection of houses 144,615 The tenant ne'er shall pay for reparation, had been approved. It is thus seen that Nor will her landlord ever raise the rent, practically one- fourth of all the houses Or turn her out of doors for non-pay- needed are under way. ment. If there were no other results to be ob- From chimney money too, this cell is tained from the Government's embark- free, such a ing on its present policy than the bare Of house who would not tenant be?" meeting of the housing shortage, that The Government's entrance into the alone would seem to be worth while ; for, field of has the not only is England getting production housing meant end of this of houses in large quantities, but the kind period. It must be and quality of the houses being built admitted, even by one who does not believe in the Government's un- literally mark a new epoch in the develop- ment of the housing movement the world dertaking enterprises of this kind, that over. the steps which have been taken in these Government-built houses are so far in To appreciate fully what the change means, one must realize the kind of hous- advance of anything that has been done in the and the of houses be- ing that was produced by the operation past, types are so of private enterprise in England prior ing produced good well-designed to and attractive in with leas- the War. While for many years the appearance, \. ant with and Government, through building bylaws surroundings, adequate light with of outline and of color (housing ordinances), did control to a air, variety and that, from large extent the essentials of good living ample gardens; apart the economic considerations from the point of view of sanitation, the involved, the results to are bound to be securing of adequate light, ventilation, England of tremendous plumbing, drainage and so forth, it was productive good. not able to control the production of Even though it may cost millions of houses that were attractive to live in. dollars each year to the taxpayers, Eng- No intelligent person who has seen at land, after all, will get something for first hand the dreary miles of monoto- the money and will ultimately, if the nous rows of houses stretching in unend- present Government 'policy is carried ing distances through the industrial dis- out, be freed from the blight of the tricts of the Midlands, or for miles in slum-. the poorer quarters of London, can help From now on there will be produced admitting that no country could expect no long, monotonous rows of dreary to produce from such dreary surround- houses all alike. While houses will still ings citizens of the highest type. continue to be built in rows or groups, With the exception of the comparative- there will not be more than eight houses ly few houses that were being produced in a group, and as a rule seldom more through the splendid enterprise of the than six, and generally not more than Garden City, Garden Village, and Gar- four, and more often the houses will be den Suburb movements, not much was built in pairs. Always they will, in what- being produced prior to the War other ever combination, have individuality and than these unending miles of dreary charm. 410 LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL COTTAGES AT HAMMERSMITH. Neighborhood shops need not be an eyesore.

The type of house hereafter to be built with Government funds would be built in England for the housing of the the cottage. workingman will be the cottage and not The extraordinary success of the Gar- the tenement. England's experience with den Village, Garden Suburb and Garden

- tenement houses in the larger cities, City movements, developed to their high- where they had been built chiefly by the est degree in England during the past ten public authorities to replace slums, had years, has impressed upon the British shown her conclusively a number of people the great advantage of having all years ago that this type of house was not classes of society, the poorest as well as one suited to the genius of the British the richest, live under conditions that are people nor adapted to English conditions. not only sanitary but attractive, with gar- The best of the block tenements have dens both for flowers and vegetables been universally condemned for many in other words, garden communities with years past, and the whole trend of pub- all the amenities of civilization. lic sentiment in England has been toward The houses that are being built are at- the development of the cottage type of tractive in appearance and of good archi- dwelling. tectural style, well proportioned, and not It would not be inaccurate to say that encumbered with meaningless ornament, so thoroughly convinced is the British and rely for their design upon line, pro- public of the undesirability of building portion, symmetry and fenestration. block dwellings or tenements in connec- This result has been achieved by the tion with this post-war building, that the Government's calling into co-operation at question has not even been considered, in an early date the persons in England who fact it was not even raised. Everyone had given most attention through many has assumed, as a matter of course, that years to the housing problem. the only type of house that would be Among the more important elements 411 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. which enter into the new type of houses Until recently the parlor has not been may be cited the adoption of a larger a usual feature of the English type of unit of frontage, namely, not less than cottage construction; but in the new 20 ft. Over 90 per cent, of all the types that have been built by the Gov- houses being erected are houses with a ernment a large number of houses with wide frontage. In the past, in the com- parlors are being provided, in response mercial developments the usual frontage to the almost universal demand for such had been 15 or 16 ft. a room. Probably the most important improve- The upstairs bathroom is also begin- ment has been the elimination of the so- ning to be provided, although the Eng- called back extension, which had become lish still cling strongly to the practice of a serious evil in rather England, dimin- keeping the watercloset fixture in a sep- and ventilation and ishing light produc- arate room downstairs ; whereas in Scot- unattractive and inconvenient ing an type land the practice corresponds with the of dwelling. American practice, and the bathroom is new of built The type cottage being found invariably upstairs, and, as a rule, with Government funds is thus a rever- contains the watercloset fixture in the sion to the earlier type of cottage devel- same compartment. found in both the rural and urban opment One respect in which the English type of a house but districts England, namely, of cottage differs radically from the two rooms its and deep, securing light American type is in the absence of a cel- ventilation from the front and from a lar, and consequently of a central heating at the generous backyard rear, being system. Except in the houses of the rich without courts or air-shafts, and permit- the cellar is practically unknown. It is that most of ting important requirement possible, therefore, to produce houses at modern science circu- sanitary through a very much lower cost than would be the lation of air or cross-ventilation. case if cellars had to be provided. This, The of house as a type adopted is, rule, however, makes impossible any central the selfcontained two-story cottage type. heating system either by hot air, hot In some cases of one and cottages story water, or steam, though there are some a and a half are but story being built, developments in which central station the is the two-story predominant type heating is being tried. These are, as a rule, built cottage. being It is somewhat surprising to .an Ameri- in of four, sometimes of six, of- groups can to find an open fireplace prtivided in ten in pairs. Under the requirements of every room. While it is true that these the Government, and in response to what fireplaces are rather small and narrow has become a general senti- practically from the American point of view, it does Great the num- ment throughout Britain, mean considerable addition to the cost of ber of houses to the acre is being strictly construction. The presence of the fire- limited to 12 houses to the gross acre in places does not mean, however, that fires urban communities and 8 houses to the are maintained in all the rooms in a gross acre in rural districts. In the few workingman's cottage. There is not instances where it has been thought wise much cold weather in England: that is, to from these standards in such depart cold weather as we know it in many parts crowded communities as London, or- of the United States, and fires are, as a ganized labor has strongly resented this rule, maintained only in the living room lowering of standards and is threatening and scullery. Though fireplaces are pro- to "down tools" unless the Government vided in each bedroom, I am informed, adheres more closely to the higher who that fires are main- standards. by persons know, tained in these rooms when a It is of considerable interest to note only per- son is sick. One reason for the the changes that are taking place in the provid- of the is a of English type of cottage, bringing that ing fireplaces requirement type much closer to the American type. the bylaws, based unquestionably on the

412 LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL COTTAGES AT HAMMERSMITH. Row houses that are not monotonous. advantages of ventilation that are secured stated that each house should ordinarily through the presence of such flues in include living room, scullery, larder, fuel each room. An interesting variant of this store, watercloset, bath in separate com- requirement is to be found in the smaller partment, and three bedrooms; and, it is bedrooms where no fireplace is provided. added, most schemes should include a Here, under the bylaws, in lieu of a fire- considerable proportion of houses having place it is required that there shall be parlors, and also a certain numbei of an open grating in the wall of the room, houses having more than three bed- leading directly to the outer air. It is rooms. In some cases it may be desirable very strange to look out through these to include a proportion of houses with gratings to the outdoor world, and one only two bedrooms. cannot help wondering what happens to The number of bedrooms is one of the them and to this means of ventilation questions about which discussion rages in when cold weather really comes, and England at the present time. At the re- whether they are not stuffed up by the cent Inter-Allied Housing Congress held tenants in order to keep the cold air out. in London last June, at which practically Of great interest to the architectural all the nations of civilization were repre- profession is the advice given to local au- sented, there was a strenuous debate on thorities in the "Manual"' issued by the this question, the British delegates wish- Ministry of Health, dealing with the ing to bind the other nations to the ac- main points of design in cottages of this ceptance of the principle that a house type. It is here pointed out that there without at least three bedrooms was not should be adequate frontage given to the fit accommodation for the ordinary work- building to allow convenient planning, ingman's family. The resolution finally good lighting of all the parts, and the adopted, however, recognized the neces- avoidance of back projections. It is sity of adjusting the type of houses to the LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL COTTAGES AT HAMMERSMITH. The charm of curved streets. different standards and different habits northerly aspect except when sunlight of different people and did not attempt to can be admitted at the other end of the express in specific terms the actual num- room. It is also pointed out that the ber of bedrooms which might be re- living room should be arranged with as quired as a minimum, contenting itself few doors as practicable, and that these with the declaration of principle, namely, should be so placed that they will not in- that there should be sufficient bedrooms terfere with the comfort and convenience to provide proper accommodation and of those occupying the spaces about the proper privacy for the different sexes. windows and fire. How carefully the Government has With regard to the parlor, it is stated considered the design of the houses may that this should be planned so as to leave be noted by the importance that is given comfortable space around fire and win- to the orientation of the house. In the dow; that the best aspect is a westerly plans considered and published and wide- one, but that preference should, however, ly circulated by the Government and be- be given to the living room in this matter ing generally followed in most of the of aspect. When it comes to the scul- houses that are one will find being built, lery, attention is called to the fact that different of much the groups plans very the scullery especially depends for con- same in but one marked character, group venience on arrangement as well as on ''Houses with southerly aspect" and an- size, and that when it is used as a place other one marked "Houses with norther- for cooking it should be provided with ly aspect." the necessary space for small table and In the "Manual," already referred to, It is further out that, the authorities point out that the best as- cupboard. pointed while sufficient should be for pect for the living room is southeast, space given and add that it must never have a convenient use, it is not desirable to 414 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

time are to these encourage the use of the scullery as a conforming high standards. living room. of houses built The larder, which takes the place of The types being actually ideal to the American ice-box, it is stated, should are practically types designed real needs of the be on the northerly side of the house, and meet the people occupy- and are it is added that where this is impractic- ing them, consistently designed able the window should be screened from and of attractive architectural appear- the sun. Even so apparently unimportant ance. a thing as the coal storage space has It is not too much to say that a new been considered by the Government, and standard of taste in housing is being it is suggested that the coal store should set, the influence of which will extend generally be so placed that coal may through countless generations. It will, be delivered from the outside and unfortunately, take many years to over- "fetched for use" under cover. When come the false standards of taste set by it comes to the bedrooms, it is recom- the horrors of the early Victorian style of mended that these should be placed as architecture. far as possible on the more sunny side But, with 500,000 houses built in Eng- of the house and that two at least of them land in conformity with these new and should have fireplaces, and adequate ven- higher standards, it is safe to say that the tilation should be provided for any not next generation of English workers who having fireplaces. In every bedroom will have had before them a high stand- there should be one window, of which ard of type of house, during the formative the top is at least 6 feet 6 inches from period of their lives, will unconsciously the floor, and if sloping ceilings are demand the very highest standards in fu- adopted proper headroom must be pro- ture years. vided for furniture. Not only are houses of the right type built all over but such In addition to these requirements, in- being England, houses are the land in tended or designed to secure great com- being placed upon fort and convenience in the use of the accordance with the very best town-plan- buildings, consideration has not been lost ning practice. One of the reasons which led the Gov- of the necessity for economy, and it is ernment to undertake the of the pointed out that economy must be se- building houses needed was the de- cured in every possible way. Among by England termination to in future the other means it is suggested that it may be prevent of slums and to secure to the obtained by adopting simple planning and growth masses of the of designing, by placing those parts of the great people England conditions of the conviction house requiring plumbing and drainage right living the now services as near as possible together, by expressed by slogan, placarded grouping the flues into as few chimney on the walls of London, "England's des- is linked with homes." stacks as possible, by adopting a reason- tiny England's There was a clear on the able height for the rooms, and by avoid- recognition part of the Government of the ing needless exterior works requiring undesirability of in future the periodical painting, such as "barge reproducing long, straight, monotonous streets lined on either side boards, fascias, and imitation timber." It with all of one should not, however, be secured by cut- dreary houses, pattern, stretching in monotonous unending rows, ting down unduly the size of the rooms about as attractive as miles of cattle or by unsound methods of construction. sheds. And so it is not surprising to We have seen similar high standards find the new houses being built under adopted in other countries, and one Government auspices representing the values the educational that purpose they very best principles of modern town- serve. But in do much England they planning practice. more than this all the ; for, practically Under the requirements of the new houses that are being built at the present Housing and Town Planning Act of 415 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

1919, the obligation is imposed upon Laws, from the due observance of the every local authority with a population relation between through-traffic thor- of 20,000 or more to prepare by January oughfares and minor residential streets; 1, 1926, a complete scheme for the de- through the grouping of buildings in velopment of all the undeveloped land civic centres where that treatment is ap- within its boundaries. the of propriate ; through adoption gently The consequences of this are so vast curving streets, avoiding the unattrac- and are fraught with so much importance tive rectangular gridiron plan which to the future welfare of that it in so American cities England prevails many ; and is at first a little hard to grasp their more especially through preventing con- significance. What it means, however, is gestion of population by the definite limi- that in six years from now a rational tation of the occupancy of the land, so well-ordered and well-developed plan that there shall not be more than twelve will have been elaborated, for the future houses to the acre in urban communities development of all the undeveloped land and not more than eight houses to the in towns of any size in England and acre in rural communities. Wales. Summed up in a word, it means that And these plans will be along modem the future England is to be made up of scientific town-planning lines, with a Garden Cities, Garden Villages and Gar- proper consideration of all the advan- den Suburbs. tages that are derived in the United England is building more than houses. States from the application of Zoning She is building a nation.

LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL COTTAGES AT HAMMERSMITH. is IT ADVISABLE TO REMODEL - SLUM TENEMENTS ? ~

ANDREW/. TwoMAs WITH. COMMENT^ ROBERT D.KOHN

HAVE been requested to give my housing standards have advanced greatly. of the opinion on the advisability of re- The adoption Tenement House I Act was both modeling slum tenements in the City bitterly opposed by invest- ors and as ruinous to real es- of New York. After a very careful re- architects, tate but after the Act had been in view of the situation as one of the judges ; oper- ation a short while saw how for the Reconstruction Commission's re- everyone necessary and how absolutely desirable cent competition* for the remodeling of it was. Today exactly the same sort of slum examined the districts, having situation has arisen. Because we can numerous plans submitted to the Com- build a much higher standard of multiple mission, I have positively come to the family dwellings, offering larger and far conclusion that is not a remodeling prac- more secure returns to the investor than tical solution. There are reasons many the "new-law" tenements permitted by for this belief. Some reasons rest on the Act of 1901, and because of changed facts which are so well known that it is economic conditions, such as increased not to do more than to refer to necessary cost of construction and improved living them, while others need to be particularly standards, it is again requisite to put to have real emphasized. Furthermore, tenement housing on a new basis. value discussion of the practical any In deciding whether it is profitable or should take account of the crisis problem desirable to try to salvage ruined and in at the moment. housing existing present obsolete properties, there is first the ques- In the first I assume that most place, tion of design. The prize design in the know how deficient are people miserably remodeling competition can hardly be the old-law tenements in the necessities said to meet even low standards of light, of light, air, sanitation, ventilation, heat and air, with its enclosed courts and Their construc- l plumbing heating. and with the buildings occupying 7\ /2 tion is better than their hardly design, per cent, of the lot area. Operation was because their builders evaded the build- not thought of when these buildings were laws as much as dared and ing they originally designed, and it does not ap- because their owners became discouraged pear to have been considered in the re- at the carelessness of tenants and the modeled plan. Any one familiar with have allowed the buildings to fall into tenement housing knows what this a condition that is not far actual from means. A group of buildings not de- the of decay. Twenty years ago people signed for operation is a poor investment. New the of the York, by passage Tene- It is too expensive to operate properly, ment House Act, definitely pronounced and its owners usually end by giving up those old tenements as below standard. the attempt and allowing their property are They much further below standards to deteriorate. Thus the million dollars, of decent habitations now than they were more or less, which it would cost to re- twenty years ago, because since then habilitate such a block, would probably all be swallowed up in depreciation after "Competition held under the auspices of the Joint a few years, and the property would be Legislative Committee on Housing and the Recon- struction Committee of the State of New York for structurally about as worthless as it was remodeling the block of old-law tenements bounded before the alteration. by Rutgers, Madison, Jefferson and Monroe Streets, Manhattan. To compare this prize plan with new 417 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

.construction, I submit a plan of six number of window openings, and the re- apartment houses, designed to cover the mainder are kitchens. The playground block in question. It contains 384 apart- and garden space in the center of the ments, with a total of 1,584 rooms, which block has an area of 15,850 square feet, a competent builder estimates would cost almost three times that of the prize plan. $1,199,636 to build (50 cents a cubic The merits of the comparison can be foot), and yet occupies only 51 per cent, disclosed only by a study of the primary of the area of the block. In a large scale data upon which this table is based. The housing operation covering many blocks, rooms in the new plan are uniformly however, certain economies, hitherto not larger in practically all cases. They all considered a possibility, could be intro- open on the outer air, and there is a large duced which would materially reduce number of corner rooms. Whereas all this figure and at the same time reduce but 46 of the 774 bedrooms in the Prize the rent. The prize plan provides, on an Plan No. 10 are 100 square feet or less, area of 7\y2 per cent., 1,481 rooms in 353 the smallest chambers in the new plan apartments, and its estimated cost is are 9 feet by 1 1 feet, an area of 99 square $985,000. The new plan thus offers 103 feet. The smallest living rooms are 11 more rooms at a cost no greater than feet by 13 feet, an area of 132 square $214,636 more than the cost of remodel- feet. Furthermore, the rooms in the ing, and which probably could be reduced prize plan are long and narrow. This is by some $150,000 through salvaging the especially true of the bedrooms, a very materials in the present structures. The large proportion of which is less than 8 following table shows the greater size of feet wide. The difference is merely that the new is the rooms in the new plan : plan modern, designed to meet present-day needs and habits, while the prize plan shows the best that can be C C a1 done with the relics of the middle ages of tenement house architecture. Comparing the rental income of the two it is not so to determine QQ W 1.^1 j plans, easy rH rH

Chambers . . 289 213 50 552 figured the monthly rental of the prize Living Rooms 82 384 Kitchens 126 258 384 plan on a basis of $10 per room, although Loggias . . 264 264 nearly twice as much is being received Totals 390 547 213 132 302 1,584 for completed apartments which house Percentages.. .. 24.6 34.7 13.4 8.3 19.0 100 the same class of people. These are the PRIZE PLAN NO. 10 rental of the Bed Rooms 25 346 357 42 4 774 figures City and Suburban Living Rooms 38 85 147 87 367 Homes Co. in their recently completed Parlors . 42 25 .. 90 85 64 308 Kitchens 10 10 .. .. 20 group, and the reasons therefore should Dining Rooms 22 2 24 be understood. These are that, follow-

Totals . . 67 371 405 227 254 157 1,481 ing the recent great improvement in Percentages.. 4.5 25.0 27.4 15.3 17.2 10.6 100 financing, a carefully designed financial The new construction plan has almost structure has been built to safeguard the twice as many rooms, of an area of more property. .In this financial structure the than 135 square feet, as the prize plan. existing abnormal costs of construction It has no rooms below 70 square feet, are paid for by increasing the rentals for whereas the prize plan has 67 rooms (4.5 the next few years which is sound busi- per cent), of an area ranging from only ness. This and the fact that the opera- 52 to 67 square feet less than the pres- tion of the City and Suburban Homes ent legal minimum. These are bedrooms Co. was not as large in scale as I advo- and parlors, which are also likely to be cate explain why these rentals are as used for sleeping purposes, although high as they are. At $10 per room the totally unfit therefor. Two-thirds of the monthly rental of the Thomas plan would smallest rooms in the Thomas plan are be $15,849, or $989 more per month than the loggias, which have an exceptional could be obtained from the reconstructed 418 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

of stores dwellings. The introduction scale and after all, the only way pos- into the group complicates the problem. sible to get good housing care should be In the rental figures for the prize plan taken in the preparation of a financial some forty or more stores, a "movie" scheme, so that the buildings may, at the and a clubhouse were included, thus expiration of a period of years, not be sacrificing housing space. This fault in the same predicament as our present could be avoided in the new plan by hav- slum districts are in; when they have ing only eight stores, although in the plan served their purpose they should be in a as shown no stores are included. These position to be scrapped without loss to could be located in good positions on the the investors. corners, and would, as every real estate In working out the financial basis for man knows, produce a higher proportion- my plan, I present the following state- ate rental than a large number of com- ment, prepared by Mr. T. David Zuker- peting stores in old tenement properties. man: Thus by introducing stores into the. "If costs are to be kept down the Thomas plan its added cost would be financial plan proposed must be practic- largely paid for by the income derived able and safe. The standards that may from these sources. safely be set are those that will permit of All this comparison of rental, it recognition by the state authorities as must be remembered, does not take into legal investments for savings banks, in- account the larger size of the rooms of surance companies and trust funds. This the Thomas plan, their superior attract- means that there must always be a safe iveness, nor the desirability of the rear margin between the actual market value rooms opening on the garden. In fact, I of the property and the securities out- have said- nothing of the infinitely greater standing. Provision must be made for architectural value of a newly constructed the possibility that building costs may de- block with its yard and recreation space. crease in the near future, and may result In a housing development on a large in the competition of 'housing facilities

CHARACTERISTIC FLOOR PLAN. Winning design of Sibley & Fetherston in competition for the remodeling of a New York City tenement block, held under the auspices of the Joint Legislative Committee on Housing and the Reconstruction Committee of the State of New York. 419 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD

GROUND FLOOR PLAN.

Winning design of Sibley & Fetherston in competition for the remodeling of a New York City tenement block, held under the auspices of the Joint Legislative Committee on Housing and the Reconstruction Committee of the State of New York.

constructed more cheaply than at present, themselves can be arranged serially in and thought must be given to the ques- either annual or semi-annual instalments tion of obsolescence. The financial plan in such fashion as to stablize the rentals must aim to obviate the retention of de- within the seven year periods. The de- preciated structures after their period of crease in expenses will be partly offset by real usefulness is over. It is this condi- the increase in the cost of repairs and re- tion which creates slums. placements as the structures become "Hence it is proposed that the period older, because a depreciation fund will of amortization shall be thirty-five years. not be necessary. The depreciation re- Within that period every dollar invested, quirements will be fully taken care of by whether on mortgage or otherwise, must the amortization scheme. be paid off from rentals and all securities "The money required to finance each representing such investment destroyed. group of dwellings should be obtained As a further safeguard, especially during from the sale of bonds. There might be the period of reconstruction, at least 30 two or three kinds. For example, as- per cent, of the total should be paid off sume that an average of $4,000 per apart- during the first seven years and 50 per ment is required to finance the project; cent, during the first fourteen years. the life insurance companies might be Then, during the next seven years 17^ called upon to finance 50 per cent, at 6 per cent, should be paid off, and the last per cent, interest, or $2,000. The only Z2y2 per cent, during the remaining four- difference would be that, instead of a teen years. mortgage, the company would have its "The result will naturally be that the lien in the form of first mortgage bonds, rentals, which must be fixed to permit of the maturities of which extend over a such amortization, will decrease as the period of fourteen years. The prospect- buildings age, and' as the process of ive tenant would subscribe for the bal- amortization continues. The payments ance, but would probably be able to pay 420 M>J Hcri K

421 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

for his subscription in part. He might securities outstanding in the hands of be able to in pay $500 cash and the bal- others than tenants increases constantly. ance in instalments of $100 annually for Nevertheless, the investments of the ten- fifteen It would thus years. be necessary ants are safeguarded as carefully. to finance the unpaid instalments. These "If desired, an insurance feature can be added to the scheme at slight addi- tional cost, to cover unpaid instalments. Then, if the breadwinner dies, the rental must still be paid, but it will be un- necessary to make any further payments on the investment which will, neverthe- less, increase just as though they were continued. In case the tenant wishes to move away, he is not tied to the apart- ment, because he has not bought it. He can dispose of his holdings, either by selling out to his successor or to the com-

AN OLD- LAW TENEMENT PLAYGROUND. could be sold to the general public as sound investments. As they matured and were taken up, they would be transferred to the tenant. Since he would receive in- terest on his $500 investment, it would be necessary for him to pay only $70 addi- tional for the first $100 instalment, and $6 less for each additional instalment. The total that he would actually be called upon to pay during the fifteen years would be only $400 in addition to his initial $500. In return he would have $2,000 worth of bonds paying him 6 per cent, interest. The OLD-LAVV TENEMENT COURT IX REAR OF interest would be sufficient to pay from 41 RUTGERS STREET, MANHATTAN. three to four months' rental on the aver- the itself which has a for age apartment ; besides, principal pany fund created the must be returned to him in the end. purpose. Or he can retain his holdings "Summarized, it means that the first as an investment." mortgage will be retired from rentals All these factors treated above are within fourteen years. During prac- important in determining the superior tically the same period the second mort- advantages of new construction; but the gage will be transferred from outsiders to chief consideration, which beyond all the tenants. The margin between the others settles the matter, is the question value of the property and the amount of of the valuation of the properties. This 422 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

Monroe Street block is assessed for $838,- that it will be high and about the same for ' 000. We should be obliged to add this each. Even here the comparison is again figure to the cost of building in each case. in favor of the Thomas plan, because it Thus the cost of operation is : gives better housing and better manage- ment. in the the rents Assessed Besides, prize plan Value Building Total should be very much increased in the Thomas Plan $838,000 $1,199,636 $2,037,636 first few years of occupancy, in order to Prize Plan . 838,000 985,000 1,823,000 safeguard the rapid depreciation which is Difference $214,636 almost inevitable in that property.

INTERIOR COURT IN BLOCK DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY & SUBURBAN HOMES CO., ON EAST SIXTY-FOURTH STREET, MANHATTAN.

This difference is not so great on such But if new construction is undertaken, a large scale operation, and, as noted the cost of the excessive valuation of the above, would be largely offset by salvag- Monroe block need not be incurred. If ing materials in the old buildings and my plan is constructed on $3,500 lots the by introducing eight stores. It is not cost of land will be 29 1-5 lots times necessary to compute the rental on such S3, 500, or $102.200. Then the compari- a high cost, but the reader will realize son is : 423 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

Assessed But in I wish to out Value Building Total conclusion, point Prize Plan $838,000 $985,000 $1,823,000 that all this discussion of the Land Value possibilities Thomas Plan . . . 102,200 1,193,636 1,301,836 of rehabilitating city housing has little Difference $521,164 practical value unless we consider what is to it. This shows an immense saving in favor agency accomplish I have at the of this of a new plan. This sum of over a half said, beginning that the whole should be million dollars may be said to represent paper, project the real financial risk which would be considered in the light of the unusual incurred in undertaking to remodel the conditions in housing which are causing old tenements. so much public discussion. If it is true that are a with Based on this cost of locating apart- we facing crisis, the need of disturbances ments on cheap land, the average rent per averting popular arising from the intolerable then the room per month would begin at $12 and conditions, out of the situation is for would descend to $7.50 after twenty-one only way the most citizens to effect a years. Spread evenly over thirty-five powerful combination of the interests of the years the rent would be $10. This is city, computed on a construction cost of 50 all working together disinterestedly on a cents a cubic foot, which could be re- large scale, to place the housing industry on the basis to duced in large scale operation covering necessary meet modern several blocks. Thus the opportunity to needs. The most prominent financial leaders should lend their choose cheaper land is the great argu- great ability to ment in favor of economy of new con- insure that the undertaking is financed struction. It is the competition of this and managed on the soundest business This new construction on cheap land which principles. requires also the full co- the rehabilitation undertaking would be operation of labor, working in the same or the kind of is not likely to meet. spirit, right housing I wish, however, to emphasize the fact possible. Housing is, when all is said, that housing must not be considered in labor's own particular problem, from which labor is the light of brick and mortar, but must the greatest sufferer. With be treated from all its various stand- the help of these citizens, working in a points, and above all as a human problem. limited dividend corporation, its capital In the block taken for the competition, drawn from the surplus of the investors the areas left open for light and ventila- of the city the very people whose wel- tion were filthy and congested with rub- fare is at stake and who profit by the bish. We cannot, in our planning, throw enterprise then housing may be put on too many safeguards around the preven- the proper basis. Some such sacrifices tion of repeating these conditions in years as these, like those made in the war to come. undertakings, are needed if we are to I believe I have said enough to show prevent the adoption of solutions which that considerations of finance, in invest- threaten the most unfortunate conse- ment, rental and management, would quences. Municipal housing will be make is too great a risk to put nearly one something more than an emergency million dollars into such ruins as the old- measure. It is more likely that it will law tenements. I have taken the prize de- prove the entering wedge for policies sign as the basis of comparison, because I which will be extended to every other do not believe that the design of Mr. field of effort. Ecob offers a real solution of the prob- This, and this only, will be the cure lem. for the slums of New York.

424 COMMENT ON MR. THOMAS'S PAPER

BY ROBERT D. KOHN

I am always interested in whatever with the existing houses?" Mr. Thomas Mr. Thomas does. I am firmly convinced answers, tear them down and put up new that he has done, and is doing, the best houses; the rooms will be infinitely bet- planned, reasonable cost, multiple dwell- ter and the cost will not be very much ings in the United States. I think he has greater than to alter the old ones. more original ideas on the subject of My reply to Mr. Thomas's argument is tenement houses than any other architect that they are not going to be torn down, I know. And what is more to the point particularly at a time like this when there he has not stopped with his first solution is such a frightful shortage of housing in of the and York. If available problem ; he keeps developing New money becomes does better and better work each year. for new housing builders would certainly Having thus expressed my opinion on not tear down existing houses and build the subject of Mr. Thomas's architec- new ones in the lower part of the City of tural work, I may perhaps be permitted New. York, but would naturally go to a to say that I am not so ardent an admirer location where land is cheaper and in of his logic. I am sure that he thinks healthier environment. Since these mis- perfectly straight when he is designing erable houses are not to be torn down, tenement houses, but I am equally sure must we leave them standing there as he thinks less logically when he tries to rotten as they are to be occupied as they show, as he does in his article, that it is have been for years by people who can- unwise to consider a scheme for improv- not pay the price for new and better hous- ing the housing of New York by altering ing? the conditions of existing sub-standard What I claim the competition has tenement houses. fairly shown is that there are a number In order to simplify my statement, I of interesting ways in which existing will acknowledge at once the obvious houses of the "dumb-bell" and other bad fact that New York would be infinitely types can be improved. I think the com- better off if by some wonderful stroke of petiton has shown that, even if an entire good fortune we could get rid of 50,000 block cannot be remodeled at one time as old New York tenement houses, similar a profitable venture, groups of three or to those on the Monroe Street block in six houses adjoining each other may be question and replace them by admirable changed so as very materially to improve housing of the type that Mr. Thomas pro- the living conditions. I think the compe- duces. My first point is that this is un- tition and resultant estimates of income likely to be within the bounds of pos- have shown that even with a modest in- sibility in my life time. If such things crease in rent the resultant income from were possible, then I should much pre- the improved tenements will probably re- fer to secure a more admirable trans- turn 4 or 5 per cent, on the increased in- formation whereby industry would be so vestment. I realize that this return is decentralized as to make it unnecessary insignificant at the rates that can be had to house people at the rate of 500 human for capital today in some other business. beings per acre. Mr. Thomas seems to I believe, however, that some owners and ignore the point that an effort was to be others may be induced to improve these made to see whether anything could be existing [buildings and do away with done with the old houses now existing some part of the horror of dark rooms, and which never are torn down except to provided a modest return can be earned make room for factories and other non- on the additional investment. housing developments. To the question, Finally, I answer Mr. Thomas's state- "Do the results of the competition show ment of cost and return on investment that anything worth while can be done from new buildings as against the im- 425 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. provement of the old, by saying that Mr. the improvements had been made. Since Thomas cannot, at present prices, produce we cannot with one wave of a magic his buildings to rent in New York for less wand do away with the whole economic than $13 or $14 per room per month structure of the world, will it not be (those he has just completed are renting necessary for some time to come to pro- at $17 to $20 per room per month). The vide less good, less high-priced housing average rental now received for rooms than that furnished in the new model in the Monroe Street block is something dwellings which will have to rent for like $5 per month. The estimate of in- three times the price of the old tenement come from the improved block submitted apartments in lower New York? Is it to the Jury of the Reconstruction Com- not worth trying to convert some of those mission was based on a rental of some- old houses into something a little better thing over $9 per room per month after and at least bearable ?

REAR YARDS OF BLOCK DEVELOPMENT AT 511 EAST SEVENTY- EIGHTH STREET, MANHATTAN.

426 JOHN TAYLOR POYDJR-.

the war an urgent need has Here surely in this triple purpose of arisen for improved methods of fi- raising the standards, of stabilizing the SINCEnancing housing. Owing to the local housing industry, and, most 'im- great increase in cost of building con- portant, of giving the home buyer every struction about twice the amount of capi- possible advantage is a new departure in tal is now needed in order to put through housing finance. One need only recall a housing operation. In the face of this the older financial practices in order to increased requirement, there is less capi- appreciate the contrast. Without review- tal for building than before the war. In- ing them at length, it may be said that, vestors have withdrawn capital from real even in the better class of real estate estate, because they fear the risk of build- schemes, the seller did no more for the ing under the uncertain conditions of the buyer than the necessities of competition day, and because they can obtain a higher required him to do. He hardly recog- return on well-secured stocks and bonds. nized even that principle of modern sales- This money- famine has occurred in a manship which bids the seller cultivate time of exceptional housing shortage a the needs of his "prospects." A fair hunger for homes all over the country. product, a fair price could one ask The lack of shelter has so threatened the more? This is the spirit of older selling prosperity of communities that, in many plans. And as for the less responsible cities and towns, the principal business class of housing promoters, the less said interests have felt called upon to inter- of them the better. vene. Hence it is that we see the unusual Only the building and loan associations spectacle of boards of trade and chambers seemed to have grasped fully the hous- of commerce organizing housing finance ing needs and wants of the community. corporations in order to stimulate the In fact, their admirable system of co- building of houses in their respective operative housing was developed to fill communities. Such a movement is surely just this gap that was left by the crude, welcome, because through it housing fi- unscientific finance plans of speculators, nance should be placed on a sounder whose operation bore so hardly upon the 'basis. For the motives, as well as the wage earners. To them the building and financial ability of these financing cor- loan association offered a protection. porations, are high. They demand a fair While the new housing finance cor- return on the capital subscribed, which is porations did not develop from the build- just; but their chief purpose is to ad- ing and loan system, undoubtedly they vance the interest of the community, and profited by its example, because they fol- consequently the interest of the individual low many of its principles. And they home owner. To this end they enforce have the further merits of enlisting some the highest standards of design and con- of the leading business ability and the struction in houses see to it that financial resources of the com- ; they strongest the number of new houses built keeps munity in the service of housing, and within needs of the and are able to new sources of city's growth ; they tap they aim to sell the houses of a type capital. within the wage-earners' means on the Such in brief is the activity of these fairest and most reasonable terms. new developments in housing finance. It THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. seems evident that they bring a new con- borhood. The recent popular "home- ception into real estate finance. So sig- owning" movement established this truth nificant it is that one should understand beyond a doubt if any proof were its essential character if one is to appre- needed. Why, then, do people prefer to ciate all the elements of the technical de- rent their homes instead of owing them? tails of finance of these housing com- Here again is an important fact. The rea- panies. This means, in short, that one sons for renting should be known in should grasp the fundamental human re- framing any financial plan. The issue of lationships which are at the basis of hous- renting vs. home owning is the basis of ing finance. The whole point of housing housing finance. finance is the human contractual relations We must understand the renter's atti- which determine the deed of sale. This tude of mind, and, in dealing with it, we seems obvious enough, yet it is precisely should avoid the common error of blind- the weakest point of much of the older ly condemning it without seeking to know housing finance practice. That is true its causes. But so convinced of the vir- not only in the ways noted above, in the tues of home owning are most people actual plans, but it is also true of most that they cannot change their attitude and writings on finance. Too often writers view the situation through the renter's become so lost in the intricate technical eye. This is necessary. The best of these details of the mechanics of finance of new plans of the housing companies show loans, mortgages, payments that they a real desire to meet the renter's objec- overlook the fundamental human factor. tions to owning a home. True, this pur- Thus the mechanical details come to be pose they do not avow directly, for they thought of as the end, instead of the are mostly straightforward, matter-of- means. fact statements of sale plans. They Accordingly, the first object of housing claim only to be meeting a local need finance is to picture the case of the home in the best way they can. But, whatever buyer, and the best plan of finance is the be their object, a survey of scores of one which best satisfies his needs. plans shows that it is just this feature The key to the human factor in hous- which distinguishes them above older ing finance lies, I think, in the fact that methods. This difference is far more in the United States the home owner is fundamental than methods of handling disappearing. He is becoming a renter. details, such as mortgages for instance. Why did 52.2 per cent, of Americans live For the custom of renting, it must be in rented homes in 1890, 53.9 per cent, in admitted, has firm root in the conditions 1900, and 54.2 per cent, in 1910, with now, of modern society. The truth of the mat- as estimated, nearly 60 per cent, of our ter is simply that the individual feels him- people living in rented homes? These self so insecure, so helpless, in the face are telling figures. They prove that in- of the changes and the complexity of creasing numbers of our people are find- business life, that he fears to buy a home, ing home ownership too burdensome to which he may not be able to dispose of attempt. It is a situation detrimental at short notice without heavy loss. In to both the individual and to society. other words, a man measures the problem Essentially, tenantry for the bulk of of home ownership by the chances of the populace is not an American ideal. changing or of losing his job. He It bids us inquire into the causes, knows that the chance is always present, and particularly prompts us to deter- and he hesitates to buy a house. He mine how far housing finance customs wishes to be free to move. This is the and practice are responsible for this case with all classes of citizens, whether evil condition of the growing habit of wage earners or salaried employees. tenantry. Thus renting has a deep hold on the One may safely assume that the nor- individual, because it rests on the modern mal American appreciates the value of a desire for mobility in society. settled, permanent home in a good neigh- What are the reasons which lead men 428 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. to change their habitation? They are responsibility. They recognize that the various, as might be expected of deep- very nature of some employments en- lying human emotions. Some are good, courages it. Certain industries, like sea- and a few are bad. The more they are sonal industries, develop a class of migra- thoroughly understood, the easier we may tory workers. To young, unmarried determine which of them can be allowed workers, a change of employment may be for, and to what extent, in financing. a stimulus the nearest approach to an The more worthy motives which are education, "seeing the world." For a at the root of mobility of employment are man who has taken a job, which he finds easily stated. Often a man may lose his does not do him justice, it is better to job through his employer's fault. The shift than to remain where he is, a round business or factory in which he works peg in a square hole. may close down, or reduce its force; or It is not necessary to pursue the mo- change its character, so that it no longer tives at the basis of the mobility of em- his of services or it fail further. has said needs type ; may ployment Enough been altogether. Also, certain kinds of em- to show how complex are the causes ployment are by nature haphazard, sea- which develop the practice of renting. It sonal, hazardous, or itinerant. A man is clear that some are stronger than may better himself by changing his job. others; that they operate differently in Then there is always the chance of different localities, in different industries, transfer elsewhere, as a promotion, or and among different classes and indivi- the opportunity for better employment in duals. But no matter what are the condi- another district. This motive may be tions of a given problem, one is always strongest with the ablest men who desire dealing with a powerful impulse, perhaps to preserve their freedom of choice so as the most powerful human impulse there not to lose opportunity when it conies to is the instinct for self-preservation. them. Here, surely, are a set of motives Therefore, it is best to give the fullest at the bottom of mobility of labor, which possible play to the renting instinct in any are to be judged worthy as long as financial plan. If this is not done, peo- American enterprise shall be thought a ple will rent instead of buying. virtue. In framing specific financial plans, it Added to these economic reasons which may not be a wise policy to assume that, threaten permanent residence, there is a in certain localities where labor is ap- list of personal and family ones. I mean parently contented and conditions seem those simple tragedies and disabilities of settled, the habit of renting can be life which create such havoc in a family. ignored. The conditions may change. If Illness, accident, old age, dependency, they do change, an inflexible finance death, are some of these. The physician scheme which does not allow for mobility may pronounce the climate unfit for cer- of labor may turn out to have aided in de- tain members of the family. Again, the veloping the renting habit. Correspond- family may move to better its position, ence with a number of these finance cor- particularly in order to give better educa- porations disclosed this danger. In an- tion or better opportunity of employment swer to a question, as to how far they to children who are coming of age. had allowed for mobility of labor in their Among motives accounted less desir- plans, a few replied that this was not able for changing residence, there is that necessary, because theirs was a favored complex set of factors called "labor turn- community of contented people who had over." It is not necessary to enter upon no desire to go elsewhere, and who were this subject at length, except to point out only too eager to buy a home. Despite certain of its bearings upon housing. such optimism, it may well turn out, in Even labor turnover is not altogether the course of years, that these particular an evil. In the first place, industrial ex- enterprises were faulty. They risk some- perts agree that labor turnover is not en- what their investment in ignoring the tirely a matter of restlessness nor of ir- renting instinct because of temporary 429 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. conditions favoring permanent residence, bility of ownership should be offered. which may change in course of time. The plan should contain every provision Several conclusions may be drawn in that could aid the owner to dispose of this complex problem of the relationship his holding at a minimum loss, if circum- of mobility of labor to the financing of stances compel him to move. Right here housing. In the first place, it is safe to is the chief point of superiority of these assume that most of the motives described new finance corporations over older will be likely to operate, and should be methods. They are able to provide a allowed for in the plan. On the other flexible ownership. Working as they do hand, in those peculiar cases where one on such a huge scale, the failure of a is dealing with industries where sea- few individuals to hold on to their prop- is does not in sonal or itinerant labor the rule, the erty embarrass them ; and, ad- best financial plan can hardly prevent dition, their control of the housing in- renting. Another fact is that extremes dustry of the district permits them to dis- of conditions exist. One is the case of countenance real estate "booms" and thus small towns where there are only one prevent a surplus of houses. They keep or two industries. Here the workers will the supply of houses within the demand. not be willing to place themselves at the Hence they find no trouble in aiding the mercy as they conceive it of a single individual to transfer his holdings to an- employer. There is much to be said for other with little or no loss. this attitude, because in the past em- It is easy to see that the older practices ployers have been known to take unfair of finance, particularly those of specula- advantage in making wage arrangements tors, cannot offer the same accommoda- when they knew that their employees tion to the buyer. A speculator has no were tied to a home. There was conse- control over the supply of houses, and his quently not that equality of situation supply of capital is limited. Consequent- which legal opinion holds to be the es- ly he could not accept the risk of offer- sence of an equitable contract. At the ing to take back houses from his buyers. other extreme are the big labor markets, The operation would be likely to cause like Philadelphia or Detroit or Newark, him or them heavy loss. With this fact where the workers have little fear of apparent, the great weakness of older owning homes, since they have such a speculative methods is revealed. Their wide choice of employment among the very nature hinders them from meeting many factories of the district. However, the modern need of mobility of residence. it must be remembered that the motives, They do not fit conditions and, since they described as family and personal, will do not, it is pertinent to enquire : Are they still be present in those cases. So, there not largely responsible for the rapid seems to be no escape from the conclu- growth of tenantry and landlordism in sion that, no matter what the specific situ- the United States ? ation, the best policy of finance will take With the essential need of housing fi- the fullest account of the factor of mo- nance thus stated, a description of these bility of labor. It is an impulse among new finance corporations and their individuals which is deeply rooted in the methods is in order. social conditions of the times. Nor can As noted above, the movement to form we claim it to be nothing more than such organizations spread all over the momentary unrest due to the war. It is country after the war, principally in the in more likely to increase than to decrease, year 1919. They are now found cities and the statistics quoted above prove that and towns all over the United States, but the habit of tenantry has been growing particularly in the industrial section in the of steadily in America for thirty years. eastern and middle western sections When we come to take account of mo- the country. Just how many of them bility of labor in a finance plan, one fea- there are, it is difficult to say. They are If to still of those ture is essential. possible, satisfy being formed ; while already- the motive of mobilitv of labor, flexi- organized some are marking time until 430 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

in be- of but a careful conditions the building industry plans ; listing of the dif- come more favorable than at present. But ferences of these plans makes the classi- it seems reasonable to assert that the fication seem arbitrary, and it has the number of these board-of-trade sponsored effect besides of making the common mis- corporations is between forty and fifty at take in treating finance, as remarked least. They are of all sizes from the $2,- above that of emphasizing technical de- 000,000 corporation of St. Louis to the tails at the expense of the underlying $200,000 company of Rome, N. Y. human essentials. So, because of the The most striking fact about the or- difficulty of classification, I have thought ganization of these concerns is a general it better to describe in full the charac- resemblance of type combined with a teristics of these companies, and the prin- great variety in details. The variety in ciples which they put into operation, details is clearly due to differences in lo- with consequent reference to the plans cal conditions. They all seem to be aim- of many companies, in order to illustrate ing at one ideal form, and some of the practical points. Particularly is it nec- best of them contain nearly all the best essary to show how local conditions features of the others. For these rea- govern the working of these principles, sons they resist attempts to classify them, emphasizing some in certain cases more such as is made in the admirable report of than others. How these companies oper- the Pennsylvania State Chamber of Com- ate will be shown in detail in the next merce. This reports sets forth a number paper.

431 PORCH RIVERDALE COUNTRY CLUB, RIVERDALE-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK CITY. DWIGHT JAMES BAUM, ARCHITECT. 432 BlVERPALE COUNTRY CLUB RIVERDXLE-ON-HUD50N -NEW YORK. CITY ~

MICHAEL A.MIICK.ELSEN

is a munity centre, where something of the residence in the north- and functions of the New RIVERDALE-ON-HUDSONneighborhood spirit early western part of New York City. It England town meeting might be revived. lies athwart a narrow stretch of land Since the war its main room has been used flanked on the west by the Hudson River impartially for local dances, political and on the east by Van Cortlandt Park. gatherings, and the weekly Sunday even- The land is well wooded, rolling and hilly, ing meetings of the Riverdale Forum. with an average elevation of 200 feet. The The architect of the building was neighborhood is laid out with winding Dwight James Baum, a charter member streets and rather large building plots, and of the club. When it was constructed in is suburban in character. The preserva- 1917 non-essential expenditures were un- tion of its suburban aspect is assured der the ban of public opinion. With a partly by real estate covenants, partly by view to economy, Mr. Baum designed the isolation from typical city developments, furnishings as well as the building, using except on the north and south. Conveni- inexpensive materials and relying for ar- ent of access, with wonderful views of the tistic effect mainly upon proportion, line, Hudson and the Palisades, and with an color and texture. The cost of the club extensive public reservation of woodland house, including furnishings and equip- and meadow adjacent, the neighborhood ment, fell within $25,000. has attracted a population that is fairly The design is an unobtrusive version of homogeneous and, therefore, capable of the Colonial, in keeping with the suburban sharing neighborhood interests. The pop- residential atmosphere of the neighbor- ulation consists of about seventy families, hood. The site falls abruptly toward the some of which are prominent in the social rear, so that the basement floor is on a and business life of the city, and all o'f level with the tennis courts. The grounds which are presumably in more or less com- are not extensive, Van Cortlandt Park fortable circumstances. with its golf links being nearby, and con- About the time the United States en- sist mainly of two double tennis courts, tered the war the people of the neighbor- built over what was formerly a swamp. hood were brought together through their The clay of the swamp was taken out and common interest in Red Cross work and replaced by broken stone and clay, mak- in various activities the need fast courts with patriotic ; and ing good drainage. for a meeting place arose. It was decided The principal room is the "great hall" to build a club house, and the Riverdale on the first floor. It is about thirty by Country Club was formed, among the sixty feet, with an alcove at one end members being Cleveland H. Dodge, twenty feet square. This serves various- George W. Perkins, George B. Cortelyou, ly as a sitting room or "lounge," as 2 Arthur I. Keller and Charles E. Cham- speaker's platform and as a stage; and bers. The building, in addition to provid- has a fireplace which burns six-foot logs. ing for recreation, was to serve as a com- On one side of the alcove is a store room 433 434 Q p W PK 5 g

I 9a ^wo S<^ > P P

435

437 FLOOR PLANS-RIVERDALE COUNTRY CLUB, RIVERDALE-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK CITY. DWIGHT JAMES BAUM, ARCHITECT. 438 FIREPLACE OF ALCOVE IN GREAT HALL RIVERDALE COUNTRY CLUB, NEW YORK CITY. Dwight James Baum, Architect.

BILLIARD ROOM-RIVERDALE COUNTRY CLUB, NEW YORK CITY. Dwight James Baum, Architect. 439 BOWLING ALLEYS-RIVERDALE COUNTRY CLUB, NEW YORK CITY. Dwight James Baum, Architect.

for scenery, and a dressing room; the by polychrome electric lighting fixtures. other side is balanced by a serving pantry, On the basement floor is a pool and which has a dumbwaiter to the kitchen billiard room, bowling alleys, a kitchen below, a storage closet for china, and a adequate to serve one hundred people, a stair to the kitchen. The arch trim of the living room for the steward, and two alcove forms a proscenium arch. locker rooms with showers, for men and At the other end of the hall is a stair- women, respectively. The locker rooms case leading to the musicians' gallery and have separate entrances at the level of the to the club rooms below. On one side of tennis courts. the staircase is the ladies' reception room, The Riverdale Country Club, in addi- and on the other the men's smoking and tion to promoting social intercourse, has card room. At the rear of the hall is a succeeded in bringing the neighborhood porch which overlooks the tennis courts, together for action on local civic affairs; with steps leading down on either side to and this achievement is without doubt the courts. attributable both to the circumstance that The general color scheme of the main the club is neutral in relation to those floor is French gray, in both woodwork questions which normally divide a com- and furniture; gray cretonnes with birds munity, and to the fact that the club house of bright plumage and with dark flowers is admirably adapted to the dual purpose give the requisite touch of color, aided for which it was designed.

440 L'OMBRELLINO, AT PIAN deCIULLARI NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY ~ fy HAROLD DONALDSON EBERLEIN

(The Little Um- in color and the shutters are dark green. L'OMBRELLINObrella), so called in allusion to the The entrance is not on the side facing the little umbrella that tops the little piazza, or square of Pian de' Giul- weathervane, did not begin its existence lari in which appear the old chapel door as a villa nor has it ever quite achieved and another doorway, but is reached by independence as a villa in its own right, the road at the left and adjoins the gate- being an appanage if one may use so keeper's lodge of the Villa Pazzi. dignified a term in speaking of such an Unpretentious and devoid of all orna- unpretentious place of the adjacent ment as the exterior of L'Ombrellino is, Villa Pazzi. Nevertheless, L'Ombrellino the interior is even more rigidly simple. possesses not a little individuality and an There a,e no vaultings, no carved cor- interest of its own from an architectural bels, no decorative door or window trims, point of view. no beams nor painted ceilings. There is Early in the fourteenth century a part no architectural effort whatever about of L'Ombrellino was built by the family L'Ombrellino either within or without; of the Bonaccorsi it was then known as it is merely a spontaneous utilitarian the Spedale della Santa Trinita al Pian de' structure and calls to mind the dictum of Giullari as an hospice for the shelter and a certain architect, anent these Tuscan succor of sick travelers and for pilgrims villas, that "much of their charm lies in going to Monte Ripaldi. It was a modest the fact that there is so little architecture little building containing a chapel or about them." oratory and an equipment of two beds, Between L'Ombrellino and the Villa with such necessary building as that Pazzi the connection is so close that, limited hospital capacity implied. along with the illustrations of L'Ombrel- From time to time additions were lino, are included several showing the made until the fabric assumed its present little chapel and the entrance to the in- form, a completion effected, however, at ner enclosure of the Villa Pazzi. This an early date. Its function as an hospice little detached chapel of the Villa Pazzi came to an end in the latter part of the stands at the top of a steep, straight sixteenth century when the oratory was roadway which ascends through olive annexed to the adjoining Villa Pazzi. orchards from the lodge and from The stuccoed walls are a pinkish grey L'Ombrellino.

441 KEY TO NUMBERS ON PLAN:

1. Chapel. 10. Water Closet. 2. Room over stable. 11. Store Room. 3. Old Sacristy. 12. Dressing Room. 4. Bedroom. 13. Pantry. 5. Box Room. 14. Kitchen. 6. Kitchen. 15. Cellar. 7. Corridor. 16. Bedroom. 8. Hall. 17. Bedroom. 9. Bedroom.

Ground Floor Plan L'Ombrellino, Pian de' Giullari, near Florence, Italy. Owing to the many additions and the great diversity of levels it is hard to say what is ground floor and what is not. The drawing room is one long room above numbers 14 and IS. 442 NORTHEAST FRONT-L'OMBRELLINO, PIAN DE' GIULLARI, NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY. 443 SOUTHWEST END-L'OMBRELLINO, PIAN DE' GIULLARJ, NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY. 444 445 DRAWING ROOM DOOR L'OMBRELLINO, PIAN DE' GIULLARI, NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY. 446 BHHB

WITHIN THE CORTILE L'OMBRELLINO, PIAN DE' GIULLARI, NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY. 447

t ?- I I

CHAPEL AND CYPRESS WALK TO FARM VILLA PAZZI, PLAN DE' GIULLARI, NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY. 449 ENTRANCE AND CHAPEL - VILLA PAZZI, PIAN DE' GIULLARI, NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY. 450 THE CHAPEL VILLA PAZZI, PIAN DE' GIULLARI, NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY. 451 A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MUSEUMS BY CHARLES OVER CORNELIUS

is museum building today pe- dictate the disposition of the galleries culiarly the manifestation of the and rooms, each unit being adapted to THEchanges which have taken place the best installation of the material for of recent years in the aims and functions which it is designed, with facilities for of museum administration. Originating its study and use, the whole archi- as a storehouse to receive and preserve tectural scheme resolving itself into the objects of art of intrinsic and aesthetic finest sort of background and container value, the museum has undergone a trans- for the material and activities which formation into a complicated organiza- prompt its erection. tion which utilizes this valuable accu- The practicability of the former mulated material in an active effort of method of museum designing is nega- definite educational purpose. In this tived by the modern museum ideals of intra-museum transformation, the origi- administration and policy; and in select- nal aim of the museum the preserva- ing a bibliography of museum architec- tion of the art of past civilizations has tural literature, it seems best to reject not been lost; but with the addition of treatments of such a nature except where the educational aim there are created a they may prove of interest in the second- number of lines of interest, into which ary elements of design. the museum's effort must be directed. A In planning the museum as a container thorough understanding of these aims, and background, the main considerations familiar enough to museum workers, is are the disposition of the various de- necessary to an intelligent solution of partments to which the care of the ma- the architectural problems which a de- terial is entrusted or the museum ad- sire for their realization creates. The ministration confined, the connections literature of this group, which we may between these departments, and, in the entitle "Museum Ideals," is extensive case of exhibition galleries, the circula- and is continually increasing. tion within the departments themselves, Obviously, the site chosen for a mu- this latter being dependent upon the ar- seum building will affect very largely rangement of the actual material. Three the effectiveness of its work and the safe types of plan as affecting circulation may preservation of its contents. Commit- be instanced as most frequently utilized tees of trustees or other administrative either alone or in combination : first, the officials are best qualified to judge of the "basilica" type, with the great central of it flanked smaller exhibition desirability "any given site as affects hall, by rooms ; certain phases of the actual administra- secondly, the so-called "gallery-and-ad- tion; but, in other questions, the archi- jacent-corridor" type, which renders un- tect can supplement these opinions when necessary the use of any gallery for cir- the matters of local conditions of climate, culation, and thirdly, the arrangement of atmosphere and soil are presented. galleries en suite. In most recent mu- The plan of the building is the vital seums will be found combinations of point in the consideration of the proper these schemes. functioning of the museum. Two types Closely connected with the plan is the of existing museum building must be method of lighting, whether top or side. recognized. In the one, the chief in- and if the latter, whether low, high or terest has lain in designing a great monu- clerestory. The actual uses of the rooms mental pile with dignified and symme- must determine the most desirable method trical facades and an imposing axial in- of lighting, and this, in turn, affects the terior disposition, into which the ma- plan materially where, for instance, top terial to be exhibited must be placed as light is required. best it can. In the other, the collections From the question of fenestration, it to be contained in the architectural shell is but a short step to the treatment of 452 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

wall and ceiling surfaces, and yet another ance of the aesthetic and didactic to that of floors. In all of these the values of museum collections. *Museum 3-17. physical effect upon the gallery visitoi Ideals, pp. Boston, must be considered as well as their de- 1918. sirability with reference to the show GROSSE, ERNST. Public Art Collections, material. The interior finish, such as their Aims and Arrangement. Boston: floors, walls, ceilings, colors, wood, M. F. A., Communications to Trustees, metal and stone is so allied work, closely I, pp. 65-75. with the installation of the material, that The interpretation by a European here again it is the museum official who Museum Director of the aims of public art collections. (Reprint.) holds the key through his familiarity with the uses of the rooms and galleries. PRICHARD, M. S. Current Theories of Artificial lighting, heating, ventilating the Arrangement of Museums of Art and humidifying are questions for special- and their Application to the Museum ists working in conjunction with museum of Fine Arts. Boston : M. F. A., Com- officials. Some experiments have been munications to Trustees, I, March, worked out with regard to these matters, 1904, pp. 3-25. but there has been little publication on A comprehensive statement of the aims and methods the and the most in- of the modern mu- subject, satisfactory seum. formation is to be had from museums where various standard methods are BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS. 0-er- tain Museums: found in satisfactory operation. European approaches The works recommended below will and surroundings of, recommended to therefore be grouped under the above consideration. Communications to the headings for easier reference. The num- Trustees, III, Jan., 1905, pp. 16-17. ber of books is since the perforce small, JACKSON, M. T. *The Museum. Chapter in the aims of museums have changes I. New York: Longmans, Green & so that hitherto come recently many Co., 1917. authoritative works have been rendered obsolete. The purpose, too, has not been THE BUILDING. to an exhaustive of compile bibliography BOSTON MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS. Plans book on the of museums, every subject and Neiv but to select a limited number of treat- Description of Building. Guy Lowell, architect. M. F. A. Bulletin, ments which will prove of use in design- Vol. VII, Nos. 40-41-42. ing a museum along the lines of the most Plans and Views. American Archi- recent and approved methods of museum Vol. No. Mar. construction. tect, CIX, 2101, 29, 1916. MUSEUM IDEALS. Evans Memorial Wing. M. F. A. Bulletin, Vol. X, No. 57.' Sketch, per- DANA, COTTON. The New Museum. JOHN spective and plans. Vol. XIII, No. 75. Newark, 1917. Plans and photographic views. First of a series of volumes present- * ing results of study of reaction of the BREWER, CECIL CLAUDE. American Mu- ideals of modern museums upon museum seum Buildings. Journal of the Royal adminis- construction, collections and Institute of British Architects, Vol. tration. laid Principal emphasis upon third 1913. 362-398. educational work of museums. XX, series, pp. General discusson, views, and plans of OILMAN, BENJAMIN IVES. The Monu- the following museums : Pittsburgh, Inst. Univ. ment and the Shelter. Boston: Mu- Carnegie ; Philadelphia, Penn.; Boston, M. F. A.; New York, seum of Fine Arts, Communications to M. M. A.; Toledo; Buffalo, Albright; 38-40. Trustees, I, pp. Washington, National, Corcoran Gal- Distinguishes between purposes of the new and the old museum. *Works containing comparative or com- On the Distinctive Mu- Purpose of posite plans or ideas, and therefore of par- seums of Art, ibid., pp. 42-53. ticular usefulness, are prefaced in this list A discussion of the relative import- bv a star. 453 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

lery; Chicago, Field Columbian, New questions which present themselves by Field; Detroit, Aquarium; Brooklyn. reason of unsatisfactory existing con- CLEVELAND, OHIO, Museum of Fine ditions in museums. Boston, M. F. A., Arts. Plans, views and description. Communications to Trustees, I, pp. 54- Architectural Record, Vol. XL, No. 3, 64. 195-211. pp. ROGERS, MEYRIC R. A Study in Museum EUROPEAN MUSEUMS Descriptive In- Planning. Architectural Record, Vol. dex of. Plans, sections and views dis- XLVI, pp. 518-528. criminatingly chosen. Boston: M. F. A recent and valuable contribution to Museum Planning. "Being an effort to A., Communications to Trustees, III, establish a working basis for the solu- 1-87. pp. 115-126, pi. tion of current problems in Museum Recent European Opinion on Mu- Planning." seum Methods. Boston: M. F. A., SANTA FE, N. M., The New Museum at. Communications to Trustees, II, Bee., Text, views, plans. Architectural 1904, pp. 44-53. Review, Vol. VI (old series Deals with show and study collec- XXIII), tions and the methods of museum ar- No. 2, Feb., 1918, pp. 17-19, pi. X- rangement. XIV.

JACKSON, M. T. The Museum. Chapter SOUTHAMPTON, L. I., Parrish Museum. II, The Architectural Plan. Successful small museum. Plan and views. Architectural Vol. Los ANGELES, CAL. The South West Record, 525-538. Museum. Plan. Architectural Rec- XXXVIII, pp. ord, Vol. XLII, p. 20. STURGIS, R. CLIPSTON, F. A. I. A. Mu- seums the LUCAS, FREDERICK A. *American Mu- for Exhibition of the Fine Arts. on and seum Buildings. Journal of the Royal Suggestions Planning Installation. of American In- Institute of British Architects, Vol. Journal stitute of Vol. 147- XXII, third series, 1915, pp. 17-24. Architects, I, pp. 160. A reply to Mr. Brewer. on Plans Presented to Build- MEYER, A. B. ^Studies of Museums in Report Committee. Boston: M. F. the United States and Europe. Wash- ing A., 1905. Illustrated. ington : Govt. Printing Office, 1905. Most extensive handbook on Museums TORONTO, Museum of Fine Arts. Plan and kindred Institutions. Portions ob- and of Museum solete. Good plans. Takes up all ques- description building. tions related to Museum building, each Work, Vol. I, pp. 183-185. in with conjunction particular buildings. WASHINGTON, D. C, National Mu- MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., Institute of Arts. seum. American Architect, Vol. XCIII, Very full description illustrated with No. 1696, June 24, 1908. views, plans, elevations and sections. WEISSMAN, A. W. Gallery Building. American Architect, Vol. CVII, No. Journal of the Royal Institute of Brit- 2052, Apr. 21, 1915. ish Architects, Vol. XIV, No. 2, pp. NEW YORK, American Numismatic So- 417-451. ciety. Plans. American Architect, LIGHTING. Vol. No. 1644. XCI, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND. Report of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New Royal Dutch Commission on the Light- Wing of Classical Antiquities. Plans ing of Rembrandt's "Night Watch." and view. Bulletin, M. M. A., Dec., Reasons for adoption of a southwest 1917, Vol, XLI, No. 12, pp. 243-244. sidelight. Diagrams. (Reprint.) Bos-

ton : M. F. Communications to Pierpont Morgan Library. Views and A., 54-75. plan. American Architect, Vol. XCV, Trustees, II, Dec., 1904, pp. No. 1909. 1724, Jan. 6, BOSTON, M. F. A. Lighting of Galleries. PAZAUREK, DR. GUSTAV E. *Museum Communications to Trustees, Jan., Buildings. Summary of answers to 1905, pp. 25-39. 454 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

* Communications to Trustees, III, three parts. The first takes up historic pp. 75-80, 90-112. period decoration in England, Italy, Schedules of European Galleries giv- Spain and France as a necessary basis dimensions of rooms, size and posi- ing for part two, wherein is considered prac- tions of openings. tical decoration and furnishing in the *Communications to Trustees, IV, light of past and present knowledge. The Jan., 1906. The Experimental Gallery. third the method of decora- Results of experiments in Gallery part develops Lighting for all types of objects. Dia- tion and furnishing which is put forward under grams and photographs of objects as the most satisfactory for modern various lighting conditions. usage. B. I. Museum Ideals. Boston, OILMAN, Part I correctly assumes that those 137-248. 1918, pp. decorative forms that have value today Glare in Modern Galleries. Archi- are a result of the leaven which the Nos. tectural Record, Vol. XXXVIII, Renaissance early in the sixteenth century 2-3, pp. 262-280, 362-378. introduced into all the arts. Through- INTERIOR FINISHING AND out this study, a consistent scheme has INSTALLATION. been adopted (reminiscent of Banister Fletcher's Architectural of BOSTON, M. F. A. Communications to History) dividing the discussions in each country Trustees, III, Jan., 1905. On Color, and each period into the definite sub- pp. 53-56. On Arrangement, 57-65. divisions of the decorator's art archi- JACKSON, M. T. The Museum. Chapter tectural backgrounds and fixed decora- III, Preparation for the Collections. tion, furniture and decorations, other ROBINSON, EDWARD. Pedestals for decorative accessories and movable deco- Text and Illustration. Sculpture. rations, materials and color arrangement Museum Vol. 203-207. Work, I, pp. which, facilitating comparisons, render STURGIS, R. C., F. A. I. A. Suggestions most significant the changes from period on Planning and Installation. Journal to period in usage of forms and materials. of A. I. A., Vol. I, pp. 147-160. In the chapter of this part dealing with HEATING, VENTILATING, HU- the nineteenth century is a judicial state- MIDIFYING, ARTIFICIAL ment of the aims of the modern method LIGHTING, ETC. of interior decoration. In Part II the details of BOSTON, M. F. A. Communications to practical decoration and furnishing are gone into Trustees, III, Jan., 1905, pp. 67-68. with considerable thoroughness. Four MEYER, A. B. Studies of Museums in methods of furnishing are suggested, the United States and Europe. Wash- each succinctly stated with its virtues and ington : Government Printing Office, defects. Then the more technical ques- 1905. See under various museums. tions of execution are considered from BOOK REVIEWS the points of view of color : the treat- ment of walls, floors, windows, and arti- THE PRACTICAL BOOK OF INTERIOR ficial the choice of furniture and DECORATION. Harold Donaldson lighting, By textiles and the use of small accessories. Eberlein, Abbott McClure and Edward In Part III is taken up the spirit of Stratton Holloway. J. B. Lippincott, the Renaissance as it spread throughout 1919. Philadelphia, Europe and showed itself in its various To quote from the authors' foreword, incarnations in Early Renaissance, "it is hard to understand why someone Baroque, Rococo, Neo-classic. Here, has not written such a book as this again in detail, are considered the ele- before." It answers a need in modern ments of Renaissance design the use of life for information and direction in the materials and color, the choice of forms matter of interior decoration, set down for the units of furniture and the points in a form useful to equally architects, of relationship between styles in the decorators and interested laymen. ^everal countries as an expression of The subject matter falls naturally into the same art impulse impregnating all. 455 LITTLE THEATRE, SANTA BARBARA, CAL. WILLIS POLK & CO., ARCHITECTS. 456 457 LITTLE THEATRE, SANTA BARBARA, CAL. WILLIS POLK & CO., ARCHITECTS. 458 FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR PLANS RESIDENCE OF MRS. ALEXIS L. EHRMAN, ATHERTON, CAL. WILLIS POLK & CO., ARCHITECTS. 459 RESIDENCE OF MRS. ALEXIS L. EHRMAN, ATHER- TON, CAL. WILLIS POLK & CO., ARCHITECTS. 460 In endeavoring to in- to whose researches and training, more terest the public in high than anything else, go the credit for the A Jury of Artists standards of architec- achievement. Now we are beginning to see Appraises the ture, the Southern Call- that on the west coast the Californians Architecture of fornia Chapter of the have performed similarly. Los Angeles. American Institute has Of course, the result does not please our taken a significant ac- intellectuals. It does not meet their pre- tion. The layman who conceived ideas of what American art would desires information about architecture often be. There is nothing new in their predica- finds himself baffled when he applies to ment. Dante and Boccaccio scandalized individual architects. He may receive from the critics of their day by seeking inspira- them opinions that are not clearly ex- tion in the vernacular. For, like our own, pressed, or which may be partisan. Some- those old Italian critics were committed times a layman may recognize clearly that to cosmopolitanism, in the form of it then he is not talking to an artist, but rather to prevailing which insisted on following a specialist who is more interested in tech- Latin models. "How can you," they said in nical points than in salient aspects of de- effect, "expect to be read by cultured peo- sign. So long as artists stand apart from ple the world over, when you write in a the world, in dire confusion of ideas, un- local dialect that only the vulgar of Flor- able to agree on standards or ideals or ence can understand?" principles, or style or taste, why should This, then, is the deliberate purpose of they expect anything but indifference from leading architects to design in a local style the public? If without convictions in art that the people can understand, and which, themselves, how may they hope to convince incidentally, they and their draughtsman others ? can understand. That is why this Cali- American architects are further from fornia action is so interesting. It is as this unhappy condition, and are leaving it clear and coherent a formulation by native behind them faster, than other classes of artists of the ideals of native art as exists artists. Before the war, it seemed clear so far. Hitherto, architects have left it to that, in the east, the Philadelphia archi- others to read their ideals from their works. tects had really succeeded in establishing a Their written judgments have been limited native art in their regional architecture. to reporting the results of competitions for The Philadelphians were followed closely projected buildings, and hence have been by New York architects, who, since the war, concerned with paper architecture, in which are equalling them with their own regional some of the real fundamentals of art can type. Yorkship village and the Bridgeport hardly be determined. Only completed war housing, designed by Electus D. Litch- buildings can reveal the picture of archi- field and R. Clipston Sturgis, are native tecture in its outdoor setting, can demon- American art. The goal is in sight when strate how its design is profoundly influ- leaders like Charles A. Platt, John Russell enced by the shapes and lives and colors Pope, Mellor, Meigs & Howe and Cass Gil- of the land and of the foliage surrounding bert, in their latest published work, forsake it and enframing it above all, the clear, ' eclecticism and cosmopolitanism for native brilliant sunlight which floods the whole styles. Then there are the younger men, scene. From such influences come the

461 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.

fundamental qualities of style in architec- praise of them by visiting Englishmen of ture. And, as they are geographical facts letters. Our city architecture will be suc- which vary in each region, they enforce cessful only when we attain a rational and local or regional style in architecture. This an artistic conception of a city, together truth, scarcely realized yet in modern archi- with a tradition and a culture formed upon tecture, is strikingly evident in California. it. Meanwhile our native art develops in Those great sweeps of mountain and plain those of our smaller communities and must not be negatived by the slopes and neighborhoods which are not commercial- lines of architecture or of garden. That ized. statuesque, often decorative foliage, must It may seem strange thus to speak of be worked into the decoration of walls and architectural traditions in California. They forms, often forcing them to take a subor- derive from the half-dozen old buildings dinate place, as screens or foils for trees left by the Spanish missionaries. This and shrubs and the play of shadows. That choice has been considered by some to be strong sun requires light, clear color if the an affectation, but they are mistaken. is it color of architecture to be in key with ; These old Spanish master works were a in some cases it requires that the building simple provincial derivative of an architec- be a simple mass in order to count in ture that was developed in a somewhat the midst of so vivid a landscape. How similar geography in Spain. The California can you fit an art suited to misty, rainy, architects, therefore, found ready to hand grey North Europe into such a scene? How in the old mission buildings the funda- can you standardize that South California mental qualities of a native style, and it outdoors into any intellectual abstraction is to their credit that they recognized the of cosmopolitanism or of world culture? value of what they saw. Within the last Such is the ideal of art and of criti- generation they have progressed rapidly, in- cism that the Californians have established. corporating into the old style the modern Their criticism is thorough, clear and of ideas of flexible planning which came or- real vision. They organized a jury of archi- iginally from Paris, the domestic atmos- tects, landscape architects, and other artists phere of the Anglo-Saxon in its American who chose the "ten most notable examples variety, and modern ideas of color and of of architecture, the five of landscape archi- decoration. The result is a beautiful native tecture, the three of public sculpture, and American architecture already counting the five most notable examples of small to its credit many master works of art. houses" all of them within twenty miles of Such art, such judgment by artists, is a the Los Angeles City Hall. Note that real event in American culture. It points twenty-mile radius struck from the Los the way ahead to all architects, and, one Angeles City Hall, in its significance to a may believe, to other artists. But, even regional art. The findings of the jury were more than that, it shows that the archi- embodied in a report, fully illustrated with tects on the Pacific Coast, as well as those photographs and drawings, published in the on the Atlantic coast, have developed a Architect and Engineer of San Francisco, native art and have found a public that in the August issue, where it occupies sev- welcomes it. enty-three pages. JOHN TAYLOR BOYD, JR. Besides the great significance of their of a native establishing principles art, there A striking illustration are other of in the points interest report. of the rapid change in Some of its conclusions elsewhere in apply The Passing architectural practice is the United States. The committee empha- of a Unique found in the contrast be- sizes the of house architecture. importance Office Building. tween the typical sky- out that- no business They point building scraper of today and the has a on the list. refused place They alto- old building which stood gether to list the public sculpture. Public until recently at the corner of Alamo Plaza architecture was similarly pronounced de- and Houston Street in San Antonio, Texas. ficient for schools except and libraries., and It was the first large office building erected the ten most notable five among buildings in the city and when it was completed in were residences. All this means simply 1886 was the most pretentious of the city's that the immediate future of American art structures. lies in the art of the home and of the Its designer, while launching out boldly small town. This again may jar certain in emulation of the many-storied buildings critics, misled by the theatrical qualities which his contemporaries were erecting in of our skyscrapers and by the ignorant the North, still clung to the traditional "gal- 462 DETAIL OF IRONWORK-OLD MAVERICK BANK BUILDING, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. 463 THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD. leries" so characteristic of the architecture Many of the details of construction are of the old South. The result was a five- interesting as illustrating the progress in story building typical of the time but en- building made since 1886. Steel framework, closed by a nimbus of galleries. reinforced concrete, hollow tile, etc., were Such a structure was essentially a product of course absent; the building had timber of the South, where the intense glare of framing, wood floors, lead water pipe, and sunlight rendered the deep shadows of the other obsolete features. galleries most grateful, and the opportuni- A lover of the picturesque can not but ties which they offered for quiet smokes regret the passing of this old structure, for and the discussion of cooling drinks in the it was an unique feature of a city that intervals between financial transactions possesses much of artistic and historic in- were doubtless relished by the ranchmen terest. The quiet, easy going days have and cattlemen who made old "San Antone" passed, even in the South, and the many- their clearing house. galleried buildings, which looked peacefully The many galleries of the old building for so many years across Alamo Plaza to- were made doubly interesting by their elab- ward the old mission buildings, must now orate ironwork, which was a distinguishing make way for a successor more in harmony feature of the design, each story having an with the times. individual pattern. I. T. FRARY.

OLD MAVERICK BANK BUILDING, KNOWN LATER AS SWEARINGER-McGRAW BUILDING, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. 464