THE ARCHITECT.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20610, 28 July 1932, Page 4

THE ARCHITECT.

SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY. ART, SCIENCE, AND business! Tho following article on the work and scope of tho architect is contributed by a City architect under the auspices of the Allied Building Interests of Canterbury, which has as its motto "Build now and benefit": — Many people are at a loss to know when and why they require tho services of an architect, and there is a lack of public knowledge how tho fullest advantage may bo taken of an architect's skill and experience when he is employed. , In recent years there has been a very noticeablo and welcome growth of public interest in architecture. But it has yet to be realised by many that an architect is not only an artist but also a man of science and of business who is concerned with building law and contracts, with building materials and prices and the hundred and one practical problems which require a practical solution. He may also be likened to a pilot on a ship. It is his function to guide the many different trades and interests into their proper channels. Care in Selection. An architect should be chosen with the same care and deliberation used in selecting a doctor or lawyer. Upon being "consulted he obstains such information of the client's wishes as is then possible. Ho then prepares sketch drawings based on the client's requirements and works out approximate estimates. The owner will derive more benelit if, when contemplating" building, he appoints an architect as liis adviser at •an early stage, and if possible before such points as the site and the limit of expenditure are decided upon. There will thus bo obtained as regarding these two dominating factors tlio experience and technical knowledge of a consultant. Tho client's requirements, when finally settled, arc embodied in working drawings and specifications which show and describe the work to be executed, the method to be adopted, and the materials to be used. I General Supervision. | AVlien the work is begun the architect periodically supplies detailed drawings I and instructions to supplement the working drawings and specifications. He I also gives general supervision of the | work. It will be seen that a large part of the work of the architect as designer is done before a brick is laid. But when construction has begun there is still much for him to do in the supervision of the erection of the building and in the safeguarding of the client's position. The presence of an architect to superintend the process of construction and to secure the proper observance of the building contract is essentially in the interests of the building public. | The swarthy skin, the dark and roving eve, The wide sombrero tilted »U awry, The parked l'P» disclosing perfect teeth, The scarce-concealed stiletto in its sheath— Behold the bravo down the PUza swank! His green t-igarro redolent and rank. In fur Havana lie when hoarse, be. sure. Remembers Woods' Great- l'eppermint t'urc. —lOl