The Washington herald., 1908-05-17
THINKS WE'LL or CONCRETE
Writer Defends It's Use Even in
Beautiful Buildings.
Conditions Described Under Which
IL Is Available for PuF-
poses Of Construction.

writer in the current number OF the
Municipal Engineering Magazine takes
strong ground against the Views OF many
architects relative 10 the use Of concrete
block IN fine buildings He says:
Concrete has forced it's way into build
ing construction by way Of the practical
| builder by virtue of its economy and
strength. and has reached its height
through the technical ability Of the en-
gineers who have recognized its value as
building material. Until the last two
years, II has received only sporadic recog-
milton from architects for its value as a
medium through which TO express ideaa
OF beauty Of structures as well as utility
and economy. This is natural, and can
scarcely subject the architects to censure.
although there has been consequent delay
In the development OF the new building
material. and there are many atrocities
which have been perperated by builders
and by engineers who lacked the artistic
sense and training which are essential
for good architect.
Limitation OF styles Of architecture suited
to other materials is not advised. except
so far as the motive and effects ap-
proximate those peculiar 10 concrete.
Some architects condemn the concrete
block as a base imitation OF stone and
therefore not acceptable for an architect
ural composition The writer thinks they
are incorrect in their position on this
matter A rocked-faced concrete block is
brre-faced imitation Of a natural prod
uct. which cannot be successfully imitat-
ed and Is properly condemned. but there
are facts about concrete construction
which justify. and. in fact may demand,
the use of concrete in block form, and
one OF the basic principles laid down by
these gentlemen rs that a building which
is successful aTchitecturally must tell the
truth.
The truth about concrete is that in
large surfaces cracks are probable on ac-
count OF expansion and contraction from
changes in temperature II these cracks
are not localized by JOINTS they viii give
trouble by appearing where they viii be
unsightly. The builders Of small buildings
may not be able to provide the necessary
materials for producing monOlithic con-
crete II may be necessary 10 make I'D
the concrete al one place and put it into
a structure at another Conditions of
economy and expediency, and often OF
necessity. therefore. require bicek con-
structiOn. In many cases. therefore.
blocks frankly admitting their concrete
structure are. by the principles govern
ing these gentlemen. proper architectural
material and must be accepted as such
Because blocks bad in design and poor
in quality are on the market Is no reason
fer condemning good blocks standiug on
their own merits as an architectural me-
dunn. There is apparently a place for
the concrete block in both large and small
buildings. Is a concrete block veneer for
a re-enforced concrete wall any less true
than a stone veneer? At least during the
period intervening before d true concrete
architecture appears there is a place for
the concrete block as well as for brick
and stone in combination with concrete.
and not always as matter of finish to
initiate something else"