New-York tribune., 1917-07-24
The New Park Memorial
A Problem Not To Be Compared
with That of the Plaza
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor OF Inc tribune.
Sir: Will you permit few words in reply
TO your editorial on July 2l in regard to the
proposed new memorial garden upon the site
Of the old reservoir in Central Park?
The sketches made for Mayor MitcheEs
Aaueduct Celebration Committee present
merely the basic idea which the physical con-
ditions of the site and surroundings IN the
park would seem 20 suggest. At the same
time the endeavor has been to incorporate
in some tangible form the well known views
Of Commissioner Ward, as we'll as other sug-
dstions that have been made at various
times. The sketches are merely tentative
So important a problem must necessarily re-
ceive the most careful study and be subjected
to all helpful criticism. In the development
of the plans the collaboration Of trained
Landscape architect should unquestionaoly De
obtained. and the Department of Parks mas
the good fortune 10 have in its employ DIT
Carl F. PLAT. who is a trained landscape
architect While such a treatment should oe
architectural. il should at the same time De
picturesuue, with a very small measure OF
architectural stonework, and it should not De
artificial: the design should be so suoorul'
mated to nature as 10 marry and harmohlze
with its sylvan environment.
As to the MacMonnies Fountain and the use
of materials, there is plenty OF time 10 de'
termine the amount of bronze and stone TO DC
used. and their distribution. This Is ques-
ton OF serious study and collaboration WIN
the sculptor. 1t would seem to 60 witnou'
raying that stone or concrete amphltheate
would be A calamity, and inappropriate Sucn
en- amphitheatre might almost suggest the
VINEYARD terraces of Italy. II should DC
planted somewhat similar to the little known
one in the Bois, in Paris. Even the spiendld
Boboli Garden amphitheatre in Florence
would be too architectural in character foi
such a site. The problem is an inspiring one
and those who undertake its solution should
be given the encouragement and help OF all
who can give OF their technical experience
and training. Criticism in the right spirit and
not too late will always be welcome.
Itis not problem in any way similar TO the
Plaza at Fifty-ninth Street, which is IN the
nature of a public square dominated by the
rigid, straight lines of high buildings IN
closest proximity. Very few people seem to
realize that the Plaza is incomplete, and
therefore all adverse criticism is premature
All would agree that the few rather dilapi-
dated chestnut trees should not have niiu-
Z encpd n
for all time. The thirty-two linden trees
which have already been put in place arc
small and. hardly apprcciablc, but will in time
play their part to greatly enhance the value
of the design. Some may remember the otiec'
obtained by the temporary decorations IN
flowers and green during the visit OF the
French and British commissioners. II when
the underground railway is finished the
square should be completed according to the
design. there will be less architecture and
more planting to make the transition in the
northern section nearest the park. lt is an
unhappy fact that the architect is the only
artist whose work is exposed 70 the public
view before completion, and therefore Is sub
jected to the risk of premature criticism.
The conception of public square IN the
heart of city should be strictly architect
ural, and when surrounded by tall buildings
the scale should be increased. Rural designs
with winding paths, under these conditions
are as great a calamity as would be a concrete
amphitheatre in Central Park. It takes time
for people TO understand an innovation, even
when they have seen endless examples in for
eign lands. II would be a calamity TO plant
trees and grow grass in Trafalgar Square or
in the Place de Ia Corcorde.
THOMAS HASTINGS.
New York, July %, 1917