THE PUBLISHERS’ PAGE
OUR versatile correspondent, Samuel Chamberlain, has journeyed to Alsace, and in his article presented in this issue, sets forth with pen and pencil and in his usually happy manner, his various impressions. Once upon a time we heard it said by a man, speaking to a large audience of children, that they should learn to “stand on their hind legs and look out of their eyes.” This statement, greeted by a ripple of amusement by his audience, he insisted should be taken seriously. That man, while designated as a biped, was more often a quadruped in action. He gravelled on all fours and by too closely following the contour of the ground failed to look aloft where beauty was to be found. The power of observation is born in most of us, but seldom fully developed. When that power is cultivated to its fullest extent and coupled with it a perfect co-ordination of eye and hand, the result is that of the trained artists. Many men have travelled the highways and byways of Europe, but only those who stand on their hind legs and look out of their eyes” can achieve the results set forth by Chamberlain.
The series of illustrations and accompanying article describing.the McKinlock Campus Buildings at Northwestern University, Chicago, are interesting features of this issue. These buildings embody some of the most modern ideas in architectural design and are, in fact, a decided step forward in the development of scholastic buildings in this country.
* * * *
Issue of August 5 will be largely devoted to school buildings. While in no sense a “special issue, the illustration of recent school buildings will dominate. Special issues that present the “last word” of their topic have certain merit, but when used as a vehicle to resurrect illustrations that are staled by constant repetition, are of doubtful value.
The feature of this issue will be an article by William B. Ittner, F.A.I.A., of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Ittner has designed an unusual three building school group at Longview, Washington. The school policy of Longview favors centralization, or planning for a restricted number of complete schools rather than for a larger number of segregated buildings. This three building group represents a concentration of
educational facilities so that children in all grades may have largely increased educational opportunities. This group stands on a 39 acre site in the center of the city’s residential district. The problem is a most unusual one and has been solved in a masterly manner by Mr. Ittner.
In a recent issue there appeared an article and illustrations setting forth the modern tendencies in theatre design in New York City. It is not the opinion of those who are competent to judge that the present tendency adds anything worth while in the development of the modern theatre.
In sharp contrast to what is taking place in the East is the newer style theatre now being erected in Germany. Arthur Woltersdorf, F.A.I.A., of Chicago, has lately been to Germany, and while there, made an intensive study of the newer theatres. His reactions are set forth in a more than usually interesting article to appear in our issue of August 20. The accompanying illustrations will be very valuable to the subscribers of THE AMERICAN ARCHI TECT. Personally selected by Mr. Woltersdorf after consultation with various architects, they present a wealth of good suggestive material,—particularly the various floor plans which have been carefully poched in the offices of the architects in Germany, especially for this issue.
A further feature of this issue of August 20 will be a Chinese theatre at Hollywood, California. This is a most unusual structure and embodies with skill and restraint the many decorative features that are present in theatres in China.
The subscriber is asked to bear in mind that the insert, Topical Architecture, is a part of every issue. This valuable series will be continued indefinitely. When grouped together, they will present suggestive material that will be appreciated by every reader.
And while referring to recently added features, we want to say a word as to the constant feature, Buildings of Moderate Cost. We shall endeavor to make this of sound value, but we shall need the cooperation of the men in small communities to make it what it should be. $efid us your small town work.
OUR versatile correspondent, Samuel Chamberlain, has journeyed to Alsace, and in his article presented in this issue, sets forth with pen and pencil and in his usually happy manner, his various impressions. Once upon a time we heard it said by a man, speaking to a large audience of children, that they should learn to “stand on their hind legs and look out of their eyes.” This statement, greeted by a ripple of amusement by his audience, he insisted should be taken seriously. That man, while designated as a biped, was more often a quadruped in action. He gravelled on all fours and by too closely following the contour of the ground failed to look aloft where beauty was to be found. The power of observation is born in most of us, but seldom fully developed. When that power is cultivated to its fullest extent and coupled with it a perfect co-ordination of eye and hand, the result is that of the trained artists. Many men have travelled the highways and byways of Europe, but only those who stand on their hind legs and look out of their eyes” can achieve the results set forth by Chamberlain.
The series of illustrations and accompanying article describing.the McKinlock Campus Buildings at Northwestern University, Chicago, are interesting features of this issue. These buildings embody some of the most modern ideas in architectural design and are, in fact, a decided step forward in the development of scholastic buildings in this country.
* * * *
Issue of August 5 will be largely devoted to school buildings. While in no sense a “special issue, the illustration of recent school buildings will dominate. Special issues that present the “last word” of their topic have certain merit, but when used as a vehicle to resurrect illustrations that are staled by constant repetition, are of doubtful value.
The feature of this issue will be an article by William B. Ittner, F.A.I.A., of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Ittner has designed an unusual three building school group at Longview, Washington. The school policy of Longview favors centralization, or planning for a restricted number of complete schools rather than for a larger number of segregated buildings. This three building group represents a concentration of
educational facilities so that children in all grades may have largely increased educational opportunities. This group stands on a 39 acre site in the center of the city’s residential district. The problem is a most unusual one and has been solved in a masterly manner by Mr. Ittner.
In a recent issue there appeared an article and illustrations setting forth the modern tendencies in theatre design in New York City. It is not the opinion of those who are competent to judge that the present tendency adds anything worth while in the development of the modern theatre.
In sharp contrast to what is taking place in the East is the newer style theatre now being erected in Germany. Arthur Woltersdorf, F.A.I.A., of Chicago, has lately been to Germany, and while there, made an intensive study of the newer theatres. His reactions are set forth in a more than usually interesting article to appear in our issue of August 20. The accompanying illustrations will be very valuable to the subscribers of THE AMERICAN ARCHI TECT. Personally selected by Mr. Woltersdorf after consultation with various architects, they present a wealth of good suggestive material,—particularly the various floor plans which have been carefully poched in the offices of the architects in Germany, especially for this issue.
A further feature of this issue of August 20 will be a Chinese theatre at Hollywood, California. This is a most unusual structure and embodies with skill and restraint the many decorative features that are present in theatres in China.
The subscriber is asked to bear in mind that the insert, Topical Architecture, is a part of every issue. This valuable series will be continued indefinitely. When grouped together, they will present suggestive material that will be appreciated by every reader.
And while referring to recently added features, we want to say a word as to the constant feature, Buildings of Moderate Cost. We shall endeavor to make this of sound value, but we shall need the cooperation of the men in small communities to make it what it should be. $efid us your small town work.