The Detroit times., 1914-10-01
|bers of Great Profession
bandon HOary Traditions
1d Combine Artistic Effects
Hith Unitarian Purposes


yas introduced for the first time IN
1885, In building on lower Broadway
New York. This method, however
had long been used In the founding OF
piers and bridges in various parts OF
the world. IL was the third step In
the development of the modern tall
building. and ranks scarcely second
In Importance TO the elevator or steel
skeleton construction, without which
the skyscraper would not exist and be
capable, IL city ordinances did not IN.
terpose. Of soaring to heights OF SO
or even 100 stories,
Up to this point the aesthetic side
OF the skyscraper has not been men
toned. Certain persons who regard
height as inimical to artistic express
sion think II useless to consider this
question, but bearing In mind the &C
cepted fact that architecture il an en-
bodiment Of civil life and character,
the skyscraper may be studied to ad
vantage In this utilitarian age. a
new element OF design was required
by the enlargement OF vertical dimen
sions. For a time the classic and
French renaissance In their various
forms became the prevailing influ-
ences In the treatment Of facades.
Classic columns. pilasters. conices,
and details were applied In their en-.
tirely to the fronts OF tall buildings.
Designers took an especial delight in
Disgusting the height Of the edifices
by the introduction OF q monotony
OF horizontal lines brought about by
the use OF cornices and. in some in
stances, full superimposed orders in
groups Of two or three stories.
Dstrolt's Debt TO Architscss.
Detroit. which IL branching out gem
erously on the city beautiful plan,
owes much to the present generation
OF architects. For several years
the rush in building operations
brought a half-trained class Of
architects 70 the city who. In mea-
sure. perpetuated many Of the mis-
takes Of the past The eagerness or
property owners to De up and doing
again helped some OF the newcomers.
many Of whom were builders pure and
simple. and others with brief appren-
ticeships in the Offices Of eastern sr.
chitects. to . need or fame and for
tune that II would be almost impossi-
BILE for some OF them to attain at the
present day when the profession calls
for the highest degree OF skin and
technical knowledge.
In justice to the old-timers, how
ever. II should be remembered that
much slipshod construction and In
artistic expression was largely due TO
practices among Q Ger
tain class OF property owners with
correct sense OF proportion in other
lines they permitted absurd ideas Of
economy to enter into their building
Many OF them showed q
stupid antipathy to architecture AZ .
profession. They had strong dis
like to paying fees for plans and
scientific supervision and persuaded
themselves that it was just as effec-
tive, as II was much cheaper, to deal
with q building contractor direct.
Old PreJudlce Against Profession
This attitude was the result OF ig-
OF the real conditions In the
building trade. Few OF the old own
ers realized that the architect IL
purely professional man. governed by
ethics. II 10 his duty, as-
well as his pride, to see that struct
ure is not only well built, but that the
must perform his work in
the most efficient manner, both
and financially. The arch
itect Is the responsible agent OF his
client Contractors, on the other hand
are often swayed by other considera-
tipus-- They receive at least -fe par
cent for their share OF the work.
whereas the architect, who not only
makes the drawings, handles all the
business. certifying the bills and In
rsaring psnper- execution of the build
ers work. charges much smaller
percentage for his skillfnl services.
Everything the architect does Is for
the interest OF the owner: the con
tractor, with no professional code to
act as check. too often subordinates
the owners interests TO his OWN,
For the services rendered, which
are always in the line OF economy in
|finaI cost the architect fees are mod.
crate In comparison with the charges
Iof contractors--a fact that present
property owners are recognizing 70
their great advantage. Another ex-
ploded opinion II that the architect
q often In league with the contractor
N order to mulct the owner for EEK
tras~ This Il another ridiculous ss
sumption.
There are about 200 architects IN
Detroit. Each and every one Is under
solemn obligations to observe strict
rules laid down for their business con.
F..