IDEAS IN PLANNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21966, 24 November 1934, Page 22

IDEAS IN PLANNING

ECONOMY FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS

In presuming to write upon the principles which should underlie the planning of buildings, whether they be simple cottages, elaborate mansions or great cathedrals, it is necessary to disclaim any right to dogmatise. Any writer will describe things as they appeal to him; but there may be many circumstances which will render his premises incorrect,, or his deductions faulty. The subject is not one which admits of mathematical proof. Arguments, and it is believed strong arguments, can be put forward in support of the system's of planning which are to be recommended here; and an endeavour will be made to avoid illustrating anything to which serious objection can be raised. However, that which is ■ right today may not be best to-morrow; it would not be well if it were so.; Development and improvement must take place, . and if what is here written should in the smallest degree assist such development . along the lines of reason and common sense, all that is desired will be accomplished. « In the case of residences of all descriptions the principal necessity is to secure direct, sunlight, at some time at least of each day, to as nearly a* possible, every part of the interior. Pleasant outlooks are also in the highest degree desirable; but, although these may, on a balance being struck, have to give precedence to a desire for convenience of internal arrangement to suit the conditions of the inhabitants, sunlight, and ample sunlight, should in all cases be arranged for. It will thus be seen that the aspect of a site, and the view to be obtained from it, are, or should be, prime factors in determining the plan of any residential building to be erected on it, however humble it may be.

It naturally follows that, as variations of aspect and of prospect are unlimited, so are also the possibilities of planning, each problem having to be thought out for itself if anything like successful results are to be obtained, the site being first visited and considered carefully with a view to utilising it to the best possible advantage, not merely economically, but with regard to the health, comfort, and pleasant existence of the future inhabitants of the building. Extreme economy is also essential in a very large number of cases not only in first cost, but in future working upkeep, and these economies are often antagonistic to one another. Whera a small addition to the initial outlay will result in a more than corresponding reduction in the cost of maintaining or repairing the building, the additional money is well spent; but such economies are more pften to be effected by careful planning than by reduction of first cost. And this first cost, too, depends largely upon the plan. Unnecessary passages and waste space of any kind has to be paid (or, while awkward roofing, involving the use of fiats or of difficult trimming and cutting, is extremely costly in comparison with any advantage which is gained. It is thus evident that, even in buildings of the very simplest and most ordinary nature, there are so many considerations to be observed, some of which are necessarily in conflict, that considerable skill is necessary in order to devise a plan which shall best meet the needs of any individual case. This is accentuated if a building is desired that shall be pleasing to the eye, in harmony with its surrounding, and suitable both internally and externally to the purpose for which it is intended.