NEW ARCHITECTURE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 131, 4 June 1936, Page 27

NEW ARCHITECTURE

A DEFENDER OF MODERNISM "Whence comes this modernism?" is a question asked and answered by a well-known architect, Mr. W. Ward Watkin, in the "American Architect." He holds that economy has induced simplicity in design. The tendency has been towards a greater fixedness of standards within which the zeal of competitive architectural talent can produce beauty. "Economy in its application to architecture, in the sense of a scientific problem, has been too little studied," Mr. Watkin continues. "Economy has frequently meant only inferior material with the substitution of imitations of one type or another—and with the expression of inferiority made evident in the result. From the purely architectural viewpoint, with the acceptance of the problem in the matter of science, it should be but a definite problem, the elements of which are known and whose truthful solution becomes beautiful with the application of the architect's skill. "This reaches not alone into the choice of material of lowest cost with enduring quality or the omission to a point consistent with refinement of all varied form and ornament, but also in severe analysis of every plan requirement, seeking saneness in the use of space, with elimination of dimensions which are possessed of pomp rather than reason. Under these conditions design takes added interest. "This spirit of approach creates economy as a fascinating factor, and it in no way denies the ultimate attainment of refinement and beauty within 6r without. What appeal to our people could be more true and timely than a conservative interpretation of this tenet of economy which the modernist holds! Have we not all listened for many years to the popular exaggeration of the architects' extravagance? Has not this extravagance in part, possibly in major part, been the unconscious outcome of a continued expansion of the 'styles' with more and more careful study into an infinite range of historic example, the fitting nature of which has become increasingly doubtful? "Through this indirect manner the architect has too easily cultivated temperament, a quality . setting him apart from, rather than in touch with, the scientific practice and reasoning of his age. Since temperament is a weak contender against logic, the art truly expressive of an age requires that its creators take their themes and material from their age, and not from the cemeteries of archaeology. "With all the fantastic and ugly that modernism has offered as a solution, it also is offering an increasing number of examples of crystalline clearness and beauty."