DOI Heft:
Nr. 117 (December 1902)
DOI Artikel:Maule, Hugh P. G.: Some recent architectural designs by Arnold Mitchell
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.19877#0192
Arnold Mitchell
house and owner, which should find architectural
expression in every house worthy of the name of
home. It is in the definite acrhitectural treatment
of these details, and in. their combination with the
general scheme, that much may be learnt from
Mr. Mitchell's work.
It is, unfortunately, often the case that able
designers and good architects neglect the prac-
tical for the so-called aesthetic, and altogether
overlook the fact that modern conditions of life
have changed, and are still rapidly changing; the
standard of comfort is higher, and the difficulties
of service are greater than they were even a few
years ago. New materials, giving economy of time,
labour, and money, are being constantly intro-
duced — in fact, an architect must not only be
abreast of his time, but in front of it, in thought
and feeling so far as actualities go, if he wishes to
succeed in modern house-planning. But "replete
with every modern convenience," to use the house-
agents glib phrase, is not the be-all and end-all—
it is not, in fact, architecture. A house may have
all this, and yet only be essentially commonplace
and vulgar—indeed, if knowledge of the modern
is all that is brought to bear, it will be this and
nothing more ; and here it is that Mr. Arnold
Mitchell's strongest point is revealed.
The convenience and modernity are there, but
subordinated and under control; and thus the
result is achieved of an entirely liveable home,
because it is based upon just those conditions
which the spirit of the age demands, and science
can now so readily give, combined with that know-
ledge and thought which a careful study of old
work and the widening influence of travel must
create in the student.
The all-important question of cost is"a point upon
which Mr. Arnold Mitchell holds strong views.
Having a thorough grasp of the practical side of
his art, and knowing the trouble into which some
men fall, by reason of either carelessness or the
wilful shutting of eyes to the common moralities,
he has set himself to the task of asking those
who build to face the problem of ultimate cost
at the very beginning, a policy which invariably
brings its own reward and saves endless trouble
to all concerned.
It is, perhaps, a little curious that Mr. Mitchell's
PLAN OF "THE SUNDIAL," NORTHWOOD
ARNOLD MITCHELL, ARCHITECT
plans and interiors are generally in some degree
in advance of his elevations, about which it is
rather more difficult to speak. It may be said
(Continued on page iSy.)
"THE SUNDIAL," NORTHWOOD
180
ARNOLD MITCHELL, ARCHITECT
house and owner, which should find architectural
expression in every house worthy of the name of
home. It is in the definite acrhitectural treatment
of these details, and in. their combination with the
general scheme, that much may be learnt from
Mr. Mitchell's work.
It is, unfortunately, often the case that able
designers and good architects neglect the prac-
tical for the so-called aesthetic, and altogether
overlook the fact that modern conditions of life
have changed, and are still rapidly changing; the
standard of comfort is higher, and the difficulties
of service are greater than they were even a few
years ago. New materials, giving economy of time,
labour, and money, are being constantly intro-
duced — in fact, an architect must not only be
abreast of his time, but in front of it, in thought
and feeling so far as actualities go, if he wishes to
succeed in modern house-planning. But "replete
with every modern convenience," to use the house-
agents glib phrase, is not the be-all and end-all—
it is not, in fact, architecture. A house may have
all this, and yet only be essentially commonplace
and vulgar—indeed, if knowledge of the modern
is all that is brought to bear, it will be this and
nothing more ; and here it is that Mr. Arnold
Mitchell's strongest point is revealed.
The convenience and modernity are there, but
subordinated and under control; and thus the
result is achieved of an entirely liveable home,
because it is based upon just those conditions
which the spirit of the age demands, and science
can now so readily give, combined with that know-
ledge and thought which a careful study of old
work and the widening influence of travel must
create in the student.
The all-important question of cost is"a point upon
which Mr. Arnold Mitchell holds strong views.
Having a thorough grasp of the practical side of
his art, and knowing the trouble into which some
men fall, by reason of either carelessness or the
wilful shutting of eyes to the common moralities,
he has set himself to the task of asking those
who build to face the problem of ultimate cost
at the very beginning, a policy which invariably
brings its own reward and saves endless trouble
to all concerned.
It is, perhaps, a little curious that Mr. Mitchell's
PLAN OF "THE SUNDIAL," NORTHWOOD
ARNOLD MITCHELL, ARCHITECT
plans and interiors are generally in some degree
in advance of his elevations, about which it is
rather more difficult to speak. It may be said
(Continued on page iSy.)
"THE SUNDIAL," NORTHWOOD
180
ARNOLD MITCHELL, ARCHITECT