The morning call., 1892-09-10

stvle an article clipped from
a magazine which, he
said, was written by clever young archi-
tect and expressed his views.
Briefly these we're:
That in San Francisco questions Of archi-
tectural design are seriously affected when
not wholly dominated by persons whose
sole qualifications for the censorship are
alleged knowledge and experience in ma
soury or carpentry together with reputa-
ton for integrity.
That in certain buildings, which were
specified, there was lack of certain bal
ance and repose, a repetition OF monotony
bold In design.
to the front and would remain so for some
years at least
Another architect, who did not wish his
name published, said:
1--WE have no public or private building
to compare with those in older countries or
even in New York. Boston or Philadelphia.
There is no announcement for architects
TO come here. Our moneyed men don't care
a rap for architectural beauty. They want
cheapness and solidity.
There are few private residences of
which could say they showed any archi-
tectural beauty in the exterior.
MANY of them are exceedingly comfoTta-
BILE in the interior and have been evidently
built for that alone.
Most Of the large buildings erected
twenty years ago for convenience sake are
being pulled down and permanent Struc-
lures put up, but there is little or no at
tempt at architectural beauty in the designs
when our capitalists think less of money
and more of artistic merit in their buildings
there will be chance for a marked I'M
provement IN our architecture"
In commenting on THE CALLS PROPOSE
ton OF getting the opinions OF the artists as
to the most artistic business building in the
ait hl mi Iat of laS 1i,,rv
San Francisco Is entering upon a new era OF
building FOR business purposes, and IL Is deslr-
able that beauty should be combined with utility
in the work. There has lately been a noticeable
gain in the artistic qualify Of downtown build
IDgs, botn 10 design aud materials. A great
business structure is likely TO be entrusted only
TO the most competent architects so the chances
are at least In favor OF credtabIe building.
Such edlfices are also necessarily constructed Of
solid materials and the danger OF fantastic crea-
lions is mIDimiZed.
With regard to dwellings the case 1. different.
1t would be we'll If some conception OF artistic
fitness could be Impressed upon many OF the So
called architects who are marring the appear
ance OF our residence streets. Thy need an
artistic standard very much. or course there
are many exceptions. There are residences in
San Francisco which look like tasteful houses to
live In. There are many which escape offending
by maklngDo prelenses. There are hundreds OF
others which disturb every sense of auty and
propriety, and simply advertise the lack of taste
largely responsible for this result. Under San
francisco conditions wood Is very good
and convenient house material. 1t may also
be made artistic and beautiful by proper
handling Unfortunately the cheapness and
variety Of mill work" is strong temptation 10
violate all csnOns of art. The average dwelling
archi, eet aims 10 design a building with as many
corners. angles, gables, recesses and projections
on sides and roof as he can possibly find room
for, and then covers the whole with a bewider-
Ing array OF giDgeTbTe ad miIlwoTk. Not content
with this, In some cases he makes his wooden
dwelling by DOuderous frame arches, blocks of
inch lumber tackled on, and other devices TO inn
itate massive stone constructions. Finally he
paints his cunning fabrication IN all The cOlors
OF the rainbow, picking 1t out here and there
with odd little dabs of color, and the contractor
adyeIiises IAN elegant modern residence for
sale"
The science and art OF architecture cannot be
learned In a day or a chapter, but a few consd-
erati0Ds commend themselves 10 the designers
OF San Francisco dwellings. II wood is the ma
teria 10 be used, lei il show as wood; do not try
TO initiate brick and stone; admit no variations
of outline not dictated by the requirements Of
Internal convenience; put on no ornamentation
for The sake OF itself, but simply TO emphasize
good thing 10 dispense with fancy mill work"
entirely Until the art is learned Of subordinating
Ii 10 essentials OF construction; study simplicity
harmony and proportions: bear IN mind that
the dwelling Is TO be home, a sheltering
haven OF rest, not fantastic blrdcagc. and let
Its general style and air express that Idea. Then
our residence streets Will no longer be objects OF
derision for every person Of cultured taste.