Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-25
Design of the Architects.

The plans were prepared for the com
mission by Carrere & Hastings, archi-
tectS, of New York city. Their descrip-
ton Of the structure which they propose,
transmitted to Congress by the commits
sion. is as follows:
"In making the accompanying designs
for the suggested memorial in the Airing
ton cemetery it has been our endeavor to
obtain a classic and serious character, in
order to express the dignity of the pur-
pose for which such a building will be
constructed. With this in view, we have
especially studied such classic structures
as the Theater of Dionysius at Athens
and the Roman Theater at Orange, be-
sides other conspicuous classic examples,
at the same time endeavoring to make the
design-while classic-in character with
the old colonial buildings of Washington
such as the White House, the capitol and
others.
The amphitheater suggested by our
drawings would seat comfortably about
5000 people and afford opportunity also
for large number to stand in the colon
made. Around the amph. theater we have
shown a large number of boxes, possibly
to be especially reserved for the families
Of distinguished guests or otherwise used,
the stage Itself being sufficiently large to
hold several hundred people. so as to ac-
commOdate visiting delegations or special
guests on any particular occasion.
Crypt and ColOnnade.
I'VE have suggested the placing of a
crypt under this colonnade as this could
be divided into many parts and used for
the burial of distinguished men who merit
such recognition from the nation. Upon
this base of the building, under the colon
made, and marking each separate crypt
could be placed inscriptions as shown In
the elevation, while memorial busts or
portrait statues and inscriptions could be
placed in the colonnade, somewhat as has
so frequently been done in the famous
campo santos of Europe. So large a
building would not be affected. in our
opinion, by any frregularity or lack of
completeness in the placing of such me-
morals, many of which wQuId probably
not be erected for some generations 10
cine. In In.s way .ne structure Wouia
become not only an auditorium for spe-
cial purposes, but would be at the same
time a campo santo for the distinguished
dead of the nation, whose resting place
would be constantly visited by people
going to Arlington for this purpose.
las will be seen by the plan, opening
from the main vestibule, which IS arrang-
ed for the reception Of special guests. ana
in communication with the platform
,,here is a staircase which leads upstairs
to a large room over this portion or the
building. which it is suggested might be
used as museum or memorial room TOT
the exhibition Of flags, trophies and other
objects which may be of historic interesl
to visitors. In the basement under the
same portion of the building Will be round
a lunchroom, kitchen, pantry, etc, to be
used for special occasions
For the floor of the colonnade as also
for the general calculations of the audi
forum, we would suggest building either
some kind Of stone mosaic or pavement
equally substantial.
Roofiess Amphitheater Suggested.
with the idea of this being a resting
place for the distinguished dead, we have
thought it advisable and much more in
teresting not to cover the amphitheater,
but to keep it open like the Greek and
Roman ones, as in this way it would
have far more dignity and solemnity and