Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/582

 472 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Jan., Gothic spirit is displayed in some quarters, to the detriment of the more pleasing Grecian or Norman fronts, that have the misfortune to be con- tiguous. Cornice butts on cornice, no matter how diverse the st3'les. Nor does this objection create so much dissatisfaction, as that of having the 'numerous cornices at as many heights, and no two of them on line. A similar dissatisfaction arises from the belts and string-courses, which have no affinity whatever for their neighbors. Painting is another source of discon- tent with our street architecture, as now existing. One man paints his premises; and his neighbor lets his go without painting. Now this presents, at times, quite a ridiculous appearance ; the one half of a dividing column, where two houses belong to one block, looks bright and fresh, with its new coat; while the other half looks dirtier than it is, on ac- count of the contrast. So with the cornice, belt-course, &o. In a new country, like this, architects, emploj'ed to design new streets, would do well to consider the subject of two sets of stores, one above another. The upper tier, as well as the superstructure, to be set back, the width of a sidewalk, from the front of the first story floors, such upper sidewalk to form the cover- ing, or roof, of the front part of the store beneath it. Winding stairs at the corners of streets would lead to the second tier of stores. This plan was once proposed in London, but, in such a city, the expense of carrying it into effect would be enormous. In our country, where new cities are to be built, it might be found to answer One of its advantages would be the facility for shopping, it would give females. All the stores most suiting their wants 1 eing on the second story, such, for instance, as shoemakers, dressmakers, milliners, jewelers, &c, &c. The offices, on the stoiy over this, would certainly be more free from street noise, thau at present ; and, the street, being necessarily wider, would have much better light. Moreover, the ladies and children would, on the upper side- walk, be free from the disagreeable en- counters with hand-carts, splashing wheels, and fear of restive or runaway horses ; not to speak of the occasional crazy bull, or indomitable pig, that will so terrify, if not upset them. Certainly — by this or some other bold innovation — our street architecture stands much in need of the mental efforts of our professional brethren ; and it is most fervently to be hoped, that, when the idea once comes forth, no niggardly spirit maj^ be found to crush it out, by landlord power, or other short- sighted policy. Above all things, let our street archi- tecture preserve alignment, as far as the height of the houses is concerned ; and that where there are several houses in one block, the front be broken into centre and wings, or in whatever manner best suits the taste of the designer But, in all cases, let a certain unity of feeling be preserved with the buildings around ; that is, let the harmony of the whole be aided by not introducing a discord in the midst. Our street architecture in many cities, especially New York, is too apt to pre- sent glaring colored stone fronts, on which the most artistic ' work of the chisel is partially lost, owing to the whiteness, and consequent want of tint in the stone. Moreover the brightness of marble, while new, is very hurtful to the sight, and gives some people a head-ache. To be sure, these objections fade out with the effects of time and weather on that material. In conclusion, we would urge profes- sional brothers to give us their views on this all-important subject, that it may be thoroughly investigated. Those of our readers who are not architects, may also have a thought to spare upon this subject, and we shall be glad to hear from them, when on another occasion we again review it.