Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/451

 1868.] Descriptions. 367 and two rear octagon pillared buttress- es, finishing with crocketed pinnacles. From the caps of the pillared portion spring a flat-pointed arch in front, and one on either return. The roof of the porch is flat, with an open paneled baluster. The Oriel-window, in each house, forms a most effective point ; and is well cal- culated to add a most desirable grace to the interior, as well as the exterior of such a design. And here let us say, that Oriels or Bay-windows are additions to a house, which should never be dis- pensed Avith, if possible, by the Archi- tect ; but introduced, even at a sacrifice of strictness of style ; for there is nothing gives more life to a room, than this pretty feature ; and certainly the space it adds is an acquisition, which those who once enjoy the privilege it gives of trinal view, will not readily relinquish. This Oriel has a flat roof, and, with its open paneled baluster, forms a bal- 00113', for the window above to give ac- cess to, thus forming a delightful sitting- place in pleasant weather. The Window over this Oriel is a capa- cious mullioned opening, forming a glass- door as well. Coupled windows are introduced on - the fourth story, having pointed hood- mouldings, whereas all the windows of the lower stories have square. String-courses are introduced on the third and fourth stories, forming a con- tinuation of the hood-mouldings. Sunk panels are introduced in the basement, and underneath the windows of the parlors. The main cornice is broken by two equilateral pediments with running orna- ment verge-boards, which form a contin- uation of the cornice. Under the eaves are large quatre-foils, an apt and hand- some finish, which the Tudor style gives an opportunity to introduce here, with much effect. The chimneys are in keeping with the general design, and the ornamental iron combing is aptly bounded by their pier- like appearance. The subject of Twin City Dwellings is one of great importance, as connected with our Street Architecture. There is an objection to this close-neighborhood style, on the part of some, who desire to declare their independence as palpably as possible. But where fronts are ne- cessarily limited to a small space, how requisite that the true pride of citizen- ship should exercise its influence in this matter. We do not advocate the monotonous mode, adopted by the Russian Archi- tects, in St. Petersburg, of making a whole street uniform in style, and in nu- merous instances giving the appearance of one continuous building to such street- side. It presents too much the appear- ance of a barrack front ; and certainly does not impress one pleasantly. At the same time, we do not urge the other extreme, that of making a confusion of various small fronts. It is obvious that the medium in res is the Twin Dwelling system, unless, indeed, in the case of any proprietor being desirous of erect- ing a large mansion. The uniformity of sky-line, produced by a long stretch of cornice, on one level, is another question, which might find advocates on both sides. For our part, we are most decidedly of opinion that the picturesque in street architecture is more surely attained by breaking up the sky-line as much as possible. English Architects, visiting New York, some- times find fault with Broadway, for its irregularity of street front. But does not this fault-finding apply as well in London ? Are there not fronts there in every street (except Regent, and some few others, not strictly business streets) which are as diversified in height, style, color, and finish as Broadway ? And be it remembered by our transatlantic critics, that this is a highly progressive nation, and our generations as change- able in taste, as in circumstances. The business firm of to-day could not think of continuing to occupy the premises of ten years ago : wealth has accumulated ;