The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-29
NEBRASKA CAPITOL MAY LEAD T0 NEW PERIOD OF DESIGN
Architectural Plans For State House May Become
 Model

OMAHA, April 2s.-The astonish- ing influence that the new capitol of Nebraska. now under construction, seems to be having on present day architectural design, leads to the sug- gestion that Nebraska may be des- tined to be the cradle of worth while American architecture, accord ing to Thomas R. Kimball of this city, past president of the American Institute of Architects
 Nebraska has blazed tho pathway that Is leading the world to esthotlo architectural freedom In this now state capitol" states MT. KimbRll The influence of this new building is being felt, as Is shown in the re- cent Chicago Tribune competition. where among 200 or more submis- sions. most of the noticeable efforts were clearly traceable to this capitol.
 Extreme simplicity has taken the place of elaboration. resulting in great saving in cost without loss of arrangement that are peuculiar to this building, one of which is that the usual usless dome is replaced by and equally monumental and wholly useful tower, wherein space for stor- age of state records is provided, ade- Quate for century.
 "The architect has drawn from nearly every known style. type and period of architecture and in their combination at once defied precedent and achieved striking success"
 New Type of z orek,tecture. e
 Mir. Kimball stated that 1t might well lead to a new and lasting type of architecture.
 "Ths new capitol not only shat ters accepted tradition in its plan. but presents most enlightening ex- ample of how. without stupidly adapt ing or covering, we may avail our selves of our full heritage of design" he added. This new capitol has at least challenged the assumption that this age of material things. with its new client the people may be go- ing to have worthy and lasting architecture of it's own, accomplished both because of and in spite of the commercialism that so dominates the here and now.'"
 The new capitol will be approx imately 440 feet square, covering al- most four acres. and will cost the state about $5.000.000. The basement will be below the grade, a first floor forming terrace entirely around the building, and main floor bringing the parapet to height of 51 feet from the ground level. The tower rises from the center to a height of 400 feet and Is surmounted by a CO., lcSSdl figure Cdlleu 'Ine SOWer." It will be so feet square at the base and taper only slightly as it rises. It is square severe shaft, pierced on each of its four sides by long con- tinuous windows. terminating in graceful dome. The lower portion of the tower will contain the main rotunda. Above will be dozen floors of offices housing many of the state deparenents.
 The main entrance is from the north, by means of a broad flight of steps. Immediately inside is the hall of state. a vaulted apartment about 50 feet high. At the left are the gov ernors chambers. while at the right and left of the rotunda are the sen ate and house chambers, respectively. The supreme court rooms and library are in the rear. r~
 Four courts opening tG the sky will admit light and air to the interior The entire structure is unique in that no artificial lighting Is required in any department
 The material is of asstone of a light buff tone and the tower is of steel. It is estimated that the tower will be seen from 30 to 70 miles in ]! every. direction.