would be lost. Evidently models were the only salvation. Therefore, several models of the whole building, at 1/16ʹʹ scale, a 1/4ʹʹ scale of one façade and a 1½ʹʹ scale model of each detail were made, before the working drawings. In each case the model was cast in plaster and colored and shipped to the material men in different parts of the country, who all reported that the unusual features of the work were made easier by having the scale models in color before them.
An interesting feature of the ¼ʹʹ scale model was the method of studying reveals (building up and tearing down), using cardboard 4 thick at
scale. Reveals were made 4ʹʹ, 8ʹʹ, 12ʹʹ, etc., depending on the number of thicknesses of cardboard used. By flooding with a strong cross light at 45 degrees, exact shadows were cast, until the desired effect was obtained. Not until after the ¼ʹʹ scale
model was made were the working drawings begun.
On the 11/2ʹʹ scale models several casts were made of the same detail, shellacked and painted in various color schemes, each being kept relative to the surrounding brick color.
Color is carried into the 1st floor lobby and the elevators, where the gradation of the same colors is used in conjunction with bronze.
The lighting of the lobby is unique, as it is all indirect and by colored glass behind bronze grilles, set in the walls.
How the general color effect of this building will influence future work, if at all, remains to be seen, but it is known that four other buildings already have been designed to use graded brick. At least a step out of the ordinary has been attempted, carrying out the natural laws of color according to the established principle of design.
FINAL SKETCH OF PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDING, BOSTON, MASS.
HAROLD FIELD KELLOGG, ARCHITECT