Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/538

 43G The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Jan., by the different committees of examina- tion into the state of schools in the ]S T ew England and Middle States, bring- ing to light, as they did, an almost incredible condition of things, has led to the inauguration of a new system in the era of School Architecture. We have now edifices, which, though not by any means models of architectural beaut}', with but few pretentions to any style at all, and far from being perfect in their internal arrangement — the most important of all considerations — still evince such a decided and praiseworthy advance in the proper direction, the true principles, by which we should be guided, being evidently understood, though not perhaps as yet fully acted up to, that we have every reason to feel sanguine, as information and study on these are diffused and enlarged, the more rapidly and widely will improve- ment extend. In a future number, we intend treating on the Public School Edifices of Philadelphia, many of which, indeed, we may say, the majority of which, are of very recent construction, and claim to be designed on, and pos- sessed of, all the latest improvements and principles, the fruits of careful and patient research and inquiry Much care and attention have been bestowed upon the internal arrangement and conveniences, and, above all, on the proper ventilation of the buildings, a point heretofore totally disregarded, as many of us can testify, from our school- day experience. We may be perhaps allowed to say, that in many of the more recent school edifices constructed in this city, more attention seems to have been paid to the last mentioned features, than to the external appear- ance of the buildings. Although this may by some be considered as a very secondary consideration, and not to be balanced against the former advantages, still we are of opinion, that it is not a matter of such little importance, as it is deemed by some, to render the ex- terior of our school-houses as pleasing and as attractive to the youthful mind as the science of architecture, restrained of course by pecuniary considerations, can make it. Instead of allowing a repulsive ap- pearance, or one ill-calculated to attract or to leave a pleasurable impression on the memory in after 3-ears, we should endeavor to give our school edifices as much architectural effect as possible, by a display of taste and effective orna- mentation. HoweA T er, we will return at some future time to the subject of City School-houses — for the present we will confine ourselves to a few remarks on Country School-houses. We have here presented to our read- ers a Front and Side Elevation and Ground-plan of a Design for a Rukal School Edifice. The style partakes, in its general leading characteristics of the Swiss ; and, from its very nature and materials, is well adapted for a rural com- munity, where it would conform to the general requirements and surroundings. It is not necessary for us to recall to our recollection the country schools of our earlier years. Even }'et some may be met with ; but we are glad to be able to sa} r, that the spread of enlightenment has swept away most of the old and semi-barbarous notions ; and has called into existence buildings, which, though not perfect, still are a step in the right direction. First : as to the site of a Country School-house. It should not be located on the principal road, where there is much thoroughfare likely to distract the attention of the scholars from their studies, but should be built in some quiet, retired, and at the same time, respectable neighborhood ; and upon a well-selected and health}- piece of ground. This should be an object of the very first importance. It should alwa}-s be en- closed with as large a yard, as is attain- able, so as to have a capacious pla} r - ground ; and, wherever practicable, a portion of the latter should contain a few shade trees.