Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-06-03
THE CITY.
INC Capitol a:rounas.

As our State Legislature is now con-
sdeTing the question of the Improvement
of the chaotic looking space around our
beautiful State Capitol, and this long de-
sired end seems at length in fair train of
cLmplishment-a few words upon the
character which should be impaired to, snd
the design which should actuats such i'm
provement, may not be untimely.
Fitness, utility, convenience are primary
requirements, the absence Of which no
beauty Of design or decoration can excuse.
The contour OF the surface Of the grounds,
and its relation to the lines and grades of
of the circumscribing streets, must infiu-
ence the plans of the Architect or Engin-
eer in charge; but the natural laws which
determine the satisfactory effect of all
artistic effort, the rules which can be de-
ducted from the success, or non-success of
similar undertakings, at home and aboad,
should constanflB sIi-~-4. while fhAv saEal,,
guide HIM.
The grounds must be an appropriate set
ting for their central gem, the caDitel
ttse.f, and subordinate to it. In seeking to
convert their present stony waste into
pleasant oasis-a healthful ulbreathinoplacei in
our busy and dusty city-it is not necessary ]
to render suburban parks a superfuity of
our future. We have not here the con-
tigulty OF space, nor can we readily obtain.
even were 1t desirable, a continuity of
shade" Its rugged contour, skiilfally
managed, will give us picturesque effects:
its commanding position viii always afford
noble views and judicious planting viii
throw grateful shade over the comfortable
seats, which should be placed at the COM
manding points for the tired citizen to en-
Joy, upon summer evening, the breeze
which comes uninterrupted from the Rocky
Mountains. 7
1t should be laid out with broad paths
and well-turfed slopes; convenient carriage
drives should traverse it, and carry the Wis
ltor to the broad platforms of the building;
agreeably grouped shrubbery should be
planted, nor should il be left, ultimately
deficient in the larger and statelier growth
Of suitable trees: but, while shade and va
riety may properly be studied, the whole
should carefully be subordinated to the
grand central building: their use and object
must be borne in mind, and they be made
an agreeable accessory, an appropriate set
ting to their dominant feature.
At least one fountain should be proyided-
of such proportions and design as shall fit
it 10 It's place, which is not, be it remem-
bered, private lawn nor lowered parterre.
Terraces will appropriately connect, by
means of massive flights of steps, the sew
ersl paths, and with the resources of our
State quaries and labor, the latter need not
be extravagantly expensive. The rugged
nature of the site may, here and there,
economically reproduce those rock effects
so charming in the Central Park of New
York city. The whole effect, however,
should be rather architectural than
that of the landscape garden.
The location of its Principal Entrances
while dependent, in degree, upon the
relation of the surface to the adjacent
streets, should be symmetrical, if possible,
from regard for the principle aetuating
the whole, but should obviously be such
as will give the most direct and easy access
to the Capitol building, for those whom
business, or official position caused to
resort thither The convenience Aof the
mere pleasure seeking visitor, although a
secondary consideration, will almost GER
tainly he snhservod by Auoh orranso1aaoats.
These entrances should be suffici-
emily prominent to attract the eye
Of the stranger desirous Of
entering the enclosure; and, to carry out
the law already laid down, architectural,
perhaps massive in design and eonstruc-
ton, and should certainly be In harmony
with the general design of the central
building; anything rocco or incongruous,
or even an unnecessary exaggeration of
their importance viii detract from the gen.
eral harmony. Fitness, proportion. har-
mony-the result Of which is repose," ex-
presses tersely one of those natural laws, to
disregard which is to ensure ruin of es-
thetic effect.
Foot paths and carriage ways should be
of such widths and grades as engineering
science, and experience elsewhere, will de-
termine to be most fitted for their purpose;
the essential subject of drainage, both Of
water contained in or rising within the hill,
and of surface water produced by rain fall,
must be carefully studied and skillfully
handled to obviate injury to, or disfgure-
ment of the surrounding retaining walls, as
well as the destruction of the road surfaces;
and carefully matured plans of action and
designs, and the judicious removal and de-
posit of surface should reduce this under
taking to o minimum of cost and give us
the maximum of pleasure in their results