The San Francisco call., 1904-06-19
SCHOOL ARCHITECTURE.

tn HE proposition to build all the new ScnoolnOuScS
in this city in the mission style of architecture
is very properly opposed by the local architects.
That style of architecture was introduced into SPAN
by the Moors 1t is suited the hot and dry country
IN which the Moors originated 1t is, in fact evo-
luton of the adobe, the sur-dried bricks that
mixed with straw and by thick walls and deeply en-
brasured windows shut out the hot sunshine of North
Africa.
When the missions entered California, more than a
century ago, this Mooresque style with them and
seemed fitted to the hot and dry locations of the first
mission stations Southern California The mission
churches were surrounded by the adobe houses both
fitted to physical conditions. Another seemed
tc dictate the use of both styles. The thick walls
some protection against earthquakes There is
tain about the mission STYLE but its adaptation
modern sanitary needs in such localities San Fran
cisco and other cool climate cities the coast is diff
cult It's nadaptation the purposes of church
buildings proved by the fact that it not used in
our modern churches The old mission churches stand,
some in ruins and some in restoration interesting
monuments, but build them more, just
have ceased to build adobe houses.
In this city especially, the mission style for school
houses is objectionable Such buildings lack light and
ventilation. In school buildings especial attention
should be given-to oentation The amount and drec-
ton of light should be adapted the preservation of
the eyesght of pupils and their health and to that
of the teachers. People spend only hour week in
churches and light and ventilation may be neglected
there without serious injury But the whole physical
future of children and teachers is affected by the cond
ton of buildings in which they spend FIVE hours of every
school day in the year
A schoolhouse should have open and ample space
all around it. and if do not stand four square to
the points of the compass much the better, the
may then shine for part of the day every
1t is easy provide for the temporary exclusion Of
the sunshine if that be desirable but its effect for part
he he infer of 10 fhe
guarantee of the health of the inmates Given
schoolhousc permanently shaded three sides with
that get the direct rays of the and
there is a condition that produces anaemc and
wholesome conditions of health in pupils and teachers
This is country of schoolhouses. The perpetuity
of institutions in the last analysis depends upon the
work that is done in the schools. Not only must
look to the schools for minds properly trained for the
high duties of citizenship but for bodies unmpared in
that strength which must bear the burdens of that ct
zenshp. Hence the location and the architecture of
school buildings acquire first importance. The school
house should be the best building in city in the
adaptation of its architecture the health and
the highest physical efficiency of the pupils All these
things have been studied and the development
of experience The necessities of school architecture
well known and require abundance of light and the seat
ing Of pupils that shall reach them from the right
direction and the right angle that the sunshine shall
harm the vision and shall also perform its proper
QepuraCng junction
The mission style is essentially gloomy to its
terror We say this without denying its picturesque
effect in proper location. We have nursed the
romance that around ancient mission buildings.
But we go look upon them historical monuments,
the memorials of brave and pious past, but with
desire to live in them. They to what the old
and ruined abbeys aresto England Ivy thick walls
an impressive but cheerful spectacle. We don't
want its dampness in houses.
The new school buildings in this city should have
air space around them, they should be of the modern
metal frame style and the material used should be of
light and cheerful color They should not have many
stories We doubt whether any schoolhouse should be
more than stories in height. The climbing of long
flights of stairs is good for teachers pupils The
floor the first story should be far enough above the
basement dryness and one flight above that
is enough climbing. tall building implies greater
danger in a fire panic. Two-story houses, with
ample exits and wide stairs the conditions of
safety that be lost sight of in large cities
We believe that in respect cost, convenience san-
taon and safety the we'll settled styles of school ach
lecture have the advantage the unsuted mission
architecture. :.
The druggists of Oakland have appealed to the City
Council for liquor license lower than that demanded