Evening star., 1939-07-22
Report Urges United
Action 10 Advance
Building Standards
Indiono A. !. A. Head
Advises Architects
To Take Leadership

To Take Leadership
Architects should take the lead in
framing a work program for
America" Edward D. Pierre, presi-
dent Of the Indiana Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects,
declares In a report urging united
action to advance building standards.
when the rank and file of the
people of America understands as
well as appreciates what the archi-
tects are trying to do, we will see
great improvement in our American
building standards - well-planned
communities, neighborhoods restored
to former usefulness, slumless towns,
beautiful new towns, better environ
ments in which to live, work and in
vest." says Mr.. Pierre.
There is but one country to build,
and but one program is needed. This
can be done in one of three ways
by Government, by industry, by Gov
ernment and industry in coopera-
ton. We should decide on the plan
we like and promote that plan. There
must be an end to confusion. The
antidote for confusion is organiza-
ton
Challenge to Builders.
'"The issue is plain. Building will
become more and more a function
OF Government If private industry
does not accept its measure of the
responsibility The extent to which
Government has entered the field is
q challenge to the architect and the
producer and the contractor and the
craftsman. 1t will be definite mark
Of progress when the functions of
Government and industry are clear
ly defined.
There is no escape from the fact
that each of us has responsibility
of some kind to society. and that
every group to justify its existence
must accept its rightful share of the
responsibility placed upon it.
Two steps should be taken. First,
. roll call of the abilities and re-
sources of the architectural profess
sion, including every competent ar
chitect and craftsman. Secondly, a
plan should be developed.
This plan should be the work
program for America and should
take into consideration the needs OF
our people for long time to come
This plan should contemplate the
encouragement, the development
and the blending of all our abilities
which enter into the creation of
sound construction values. 1t should
embrace the planning of communi-
ties according to sound planning and
building standards.
Responsibility For Profession.
"The architectural profession has
the responsibility of inspiring, OF
visualizing glorious Nation of
homes and communities. We should
invite other groups of the industry
to share in this program. When all
combined have kept faith with the
sacredness of our trust as true
builders for America, we have an
other obligation. That is to label
our product so all may see and un-
derstand. This will be the hallmark
of good building for the discriminat-
ing buyer.
''The architectural profession must
assume its rightful leadership in the
shaping of the architectural destinies
of the Nation. 1t m ust interpret the
tastes Of the people, provide the
standards and the pattern of homes
and communities. 1t must provide
the vision and the inspiration that
will realize that vision. The archi-
tect must be the master architect of
his country-the master architect of
America.
America needs a new conscious
ness. The architect, in cooperation
with industry, should fire the imagi-
nation of our people for improved
craftsmanship, improved living
standards. better working conditions,
safety and wholesome play for our
children and better buildings, better
communities.
1--WE have the facilities for inspir-
ing the popular mind-the steam
shovel, the girder high in the air, the
magic of the human mind as they
change wood and brick and metal
and cement and stone into a creation
of loveliness and utility. These are
our very own and they can fire the
imagination of America if we will
but use them. The next era might
be the era of craftsmanship. This
involves the youth of America.
All-Important Issue.
Every man, woman and child
should be taught to realize that the
future Of towns and cities, the future
environment of citizens and the
very future of our country is vital
ly linked with a proper and real
istic concept Of the problems which
exist in their own communities. None
Of these problems are new nor do
they differ greatly between one COM
munity and another. No honest ap-
praisal can ignore the blight that
rests in some degree in every COM
munity in the land.
THE all-important issue today is
the kind and character of the means
created to satisfy normal. healthy
needs. This applies to the commu-
nifty as well as to the home. The
home is the foundation of our social
order, and in the final analysis con-
tinuous profitable employment in the
building Of homes and communities
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