Evening star., 1934-05-16
ARCHITECTS URGED
TO REVISE POLICY
President of Institute Out
lines Plan to Revive Hard
Hit Profession.

Ernest j. Russell, president of the
American Institute of Architects, in
an opening address before the sixty
sixth convention of the organization
at the Maydower Hotel today, told
representatives of more than three
score chapters that their members
should develop the tremendous field
Of work" open to them in low-cost
building projects.
Stressing the opportunity offered
architects, one Of the groups hardest
hit by the depression, to redeem them
selves through service to small build
ers, Mr.. Russell said the designing
needs of this type of client now are
met by professional groups.
President Russell's address inau-
gurated three-day session devoted to
regular business of the institute and
formulation of plans for close-knit CO.
operation among the elements of the
construction industry.
Other Unit in Session.
In joint sessions with the Producers
Council. a group of manufacturers of
building materials and equipment also
meeting here. the institute will con-
slider questions of public works legls-
lation and methods of effecting a re-
vival of architectural and construction
activity.
Whatever may be the future of the
N. r. A, Mr.. Russell told the archi-
tectural group, a foundation has been
laid for greater solidarity and co-ope-
ration in the future among the
branches of the building industry. He
urged the instruction of architectural
students in the design of small struc-
lures, which most of them are best
fitted to attempt At present he said.
there is too much emphasis on the
design of large and rare types of
buildings which only a small percent
age Of students possess the genius to
master.
When We compare the total amount
OF building construction with that por-
ton of it designed by architects" the
speaker said, I'VE must realize that
something is wrong with the architect
or the building public, or both.
Called Severe Indictment.
ut is a severe indictment of the
architect that he does so small a per-
centage Of the construction work of
the average individual, such as homes.
stores and many other types of build
ings which are comparatively low in
cost, but of great importance to the
owner"
The people of the United States
should be educated to the extent 'the
art and practice of architecture may
be taken as much matter of course
in this country as is the art of music
in the Latin countries" he said.
Also on the program were the re-
ports of Edwin Bergstrom of Los An
geleS, the Institute treasurer, and the
board of directors report, to be pre-
sented by Frank c. Baldwin of Wash
ington, the secretary. Tonight at 8
O'Clock session will be, devoted to
the work of the Committee on Edu-
cation, of which Charles Butler of
New York is chairman. Charles D.
MaginniS of Boston, first vice presi-
dent OF the institute, is to preside.
Producers to Elect.
A speech of welcome by Alexander
B. Trowbridge, president of the Wash
ington chapter of the institute, and
interorganization reports featured the
opening conference of the Producers
Council. Housing activities of the
Construction League Of the United
States were scheduled for discussion
this afternoon and new officers are
to be elected.
At the annual dinner this evening
Senator LaFollette of Wisconsin will
speak on Public Works Legislation"
and Horace Russell, general counsel
of the Home Owners Loan Corpora
ton, is to discuss Home Renovizing
and Home Building Plans"
Ragnar Ostberg, internationally
known architect and designer of his
native Stockholms famous town hall,
will receive from President Roosevelt
at the White House this afternoon
the institutes gold medal The pres
entation ceremonies are scheduled for
5 o'clock.