ARCHITECTURE TO-DAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 302, 19 November 1938, Page 11

ARCHITECTURE TO-DAY

EVOLUTION OF BUILDING. INFLUENCE ON PROGRAMMES. “Modem architecture is simply the architecture of to-day; the architecture which attempts to solve the problems arising from social conditions bymodern methods of construction and by the use of materials now at 'the command of architects,” stated Mr V. Hean, architect to the Palmerston North Hospital Board, in the course of an address to the Palmerston North Citizens’ Lunch Club, yesterday. Modern architecture was not a term which interpreted, meant a futuristic style. Architecture was constantly in a state of evolution, which w-as only slow-ed clown by the presence of a group of highly gifted individuals who stabilised design and style for a while. Such people created definite styles such as had pertained in the prosperous times of Greece and Rome.

Architecture changed because social and economic conditions altered; because people of to-day had thoughts different from those of their grandfathers and, principally, because lifo became more complex with the passage of time, Mr Hean added. The requirements of modern times were reflected in the programmes of architecture. Modern architecture evolved as the result of an investigation of the problems of the century. Finance counted largely for the simplicity rf the present-day style, the elimination of unnecessary ornament having been paramount. With the aid of lantern slides projected on a screen, Mr Hean conveyed to his hearers a visual impression of the progress of architecture from the time of the Pharaohs, showing also revised photographs of the proposed new Anglican Cathedral at Wellington. LESSONS FROM THE PAST. The Egyptian system had l-een based on the principle of the beam and its supporting columns, the simplest type ot engineering construction, the speaker proceeded. Greeoe liad continued this structural system, but with greater refinement and beauty of expression. By the use of the curved beam or arch, the Romans had been able to cover spans of up to 150 feet. The next great period of architectural invention had come when the Gothic style of vaulting had been practised. This had been followed by the period known to history as the Renaissance, when classic forms were copied and put to new uses. The opening years of the nineteenth century had seen the introduction of cast iron and rolled steel as a medium for building, while architects of to-day spoke in terms of steel and concrete as a dominating factor in design. “To-day’s building programmes are all fresh and demand an expression in style,” added the speaker. “A great deal of attention has been given in architecture to modern standards of hygiene.” The industrial building with its up-to-date layout of machinery, based on a psychological study, gave the maximum improvements for the workers and all classes of labour. The office building was the most dramatic of modem schemes. With its many floors, “steel and concrete construction, elevator transits and, lastly, the governing effect of the zoning laws, it was a complete revolution of all precedent and tradition.

“The floodlighting of buildings at night-time is an important step in the evolution of architectural forms, as the traditional classij orders do not lend themselves to illumination from the ground level, as shadows are thrown by the projecting cornices and mouldings. To erect a building where the modern trend of illumination is demanded one must straightaway abandon the stereotyped classic forms and create a design that will stand the test of lighting from the sun above in the daytime and artificially from below at night-time. The best effects have been obtained when the source of illumination is hidden.” In interior work, science had been engaged in the study of lighting, heating, ventilation, air cooling systems and many inventions which undoubtedly were influencing modern planning. ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

“Architects arc giving as much attention to the kitchenette and bathroom as to tho major rooms of the home,” said Mr Hean. “Every detail is studied from all angles—from the point of hygiene, from that of use and service, and from tho labour-sav-ing point of view. “Colour schemes are of great importance and externally brighten the surroundings, while internal schemes bring that freshness which is the aim of the architect.

“Holland is rich with examples of modern brickworks in brilliant colour schemes. In the use of concrete the Dutch also excel, and many modern buildings are to he seen. Germany affords a striking contrast in styles, and one sees the modern spirit carried into simplicity and logic to a far greater degree than elsewhere. Economy in that country during the past ten years however, has been a dominating factor. In Finland the modern work has been influenced by the Orient, while France is now in the throes of modernism. Each Continental country is developing a modern style; each with its national characteristics, each influenced by its traditional style, materals at hand and the temperament of its people,” Mr Hean concluded. Mr T. R. Lees was in the chair, and Mr G. G. Priest proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Hean, which was carried with acclamation Visitors welcomed were Rev. Canon G. Y. Woodward, Rev. F. S. Ramson, Rev. J. Hubbard and Mr A. A. Langley.