Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/887

 1869.] Architecture for Inebriates. 719 them in public institutions, with special regard to the preservation of their self- respect, and so far as may be, of their individualty. They should not be herded en masse, except on occasions, when in our country all men have a right to con- gregate privileges. The church should be a place, where the "rich and poor meet together," and the levelling influence of a universal gospel, may be realized. The public asscmbty for amusement, or instruction, &c, are all open in the outside world to every ticket-holder of high and low de- gree, but in social life, congeniality of thought and purpose forms the basis of rational intercourse. With these thoughts and facts it will not be difficult for any experienced architect to see at a glance, the basis upon which he should commence, in offering designs for institutions for inebriates. The plan proposed for an institution of this kind in Penns3"lvania, contem- plates cottages each capable of furnish- ing lodging rooms and parlor, for from four to eight persons. They should open in the rear upon an enclosed cor- ridor of ample width, and height, leading to a central restaurant, a public libraiy, business office, &c. The corridor should be broken into arches and alcoves, and used as a conservatory and art gallery, or so arranged as to be thrown into a large hall for entertainment, when necessaiy. The cottages should be separated from thirty to fifty or more feet, and thus light and air from all sides would be secured, and the ordinary domestic methods of heating could be adopted. The restaurant, might be so arranged as to have alcoves, or distinct apart- ments, for the inmates of the several cot- tages, or the practice in city restaurants, of having separate tables in a laro-e room, would probably answer as well. Russian or Turkish baths, are an essential for such an establishment, and could be located in the basement of the corridors, or in a separate building. Distinct from the main, group of buildings there should be a small in- firmary, to which patients should at first be admitted, then examined, classified, and assigned. A little thought will show the reason- ableness and naturalness of this outline. Inebriates generally stray from home. The}^ seek public places, and associations that are hurtful to them. Their first need as a means of cure, in an institution, is to cultivate the home idea, and be surrounded as far as possible with home-like associations. They need retired places. They should be taught the sanctity of privacy. They should feel the power of cheerful and elevating retirement, — not solitude, or confinement, — but separation from the confused multitude, and seclusion from the bewildering allurements of vice. At the same time they should be within reach of such variet}- and entertainment, and engage in such industries as are compatible with their taste and profit. They are sensitive persons, none more so. Their apartments should be liberally furnished, and their self-respect and sense of honor stimulated in every possible way. The name and surroundings of such an institution, should not be offensive. A place of punishment or confinement they do not need, and will not consent to go to. The term asylum they do not like, as that implies dependence. Hospital is offensive, because there are hospitals for all loathsome disorders. Home or Re- treat are less objectionable. The insti- tution at Media, Pennsylvania, is called a Sanitarium. It is a " health station " literally, as Cape May, Saratoga, and Bedford, are health stations, and not asylums, hospitals or refuges. Let Architecture contribute its share toward anticipating the wants of this large class of sufferers in community. Who will sketch a design after the gen- eral principles enunciated in this article ? Who ever will do so, and give it to the pages of the " Review " will confer a public good. *