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268 THE COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE.
in a set of drawings showing his own interpretation of the problem as
governed by the conditions. These drawings are judged by a jury
composed of the entire faculty of architecture, the acceptable draw
ings being graded mention, first mention,
second medal and first
medal, according to the excellence of solutions. In the judgment
each member of the faculty pays particular attention to that part of
the work which is the result of his special teaching. For example,
the Professor of Construction studies the constructability of the
designs while the Professor of Free-Hand Drawing criticizes the
sculptural details and the general color schemes of the designs.
Thus not only do the drawings receive careful criticism, but the Pro
fessors are able to follow the results of their teaching, while all in the
faculty maintain a lively
interest in the progress of architectural
design , which is conceded to be the chief aim of architectural schools-
In order to avoid the danger of becoming too theoretical, the course
in working drawings, described under construction, is introduced
after the students have spent their sophomore year in design. Ex
perience has shown that this work has a wholesome influence upon
the students, rendering more practical and sensible their work in the
latter part of the course.
History of Architecture, etc.
Ancient Greece, in her philosophy, her literature and her art, has-
affected to an incalculable degree the civilization of modern times.
The architectural influence percolating through Rome and the Renais
sance has brought down to to-day traditions and architectural motives
which serve admirably as sources of inspiration. Imitation, however,
of decorative forms which served to describe the kind of civilization
which existed in ancient times, is hardly more justifiable than would
be the use to-day of Egyptian hieroglyphics as wall decorations in
our buildings. They belong to the past and should be considered as
possessing only historical and archaeological interest. The broad
principles, however, of proportion and scale,
and the subtleties of
of line and silhouette are matters which will always deeply concern
the student of architecture and should be carefully studied in the
monuments of all ages. The reserve of the Greeks contrasted with
the wonderful of daring the Gothic builders presents an illustration
of the qualities that are needed in our own architects. building The
study of the History of Architecture is regarded in this course as a
source of inspiration rather than as a means of acquiring materials
and motives for use after leaving the University. While it is true
that the work in design shows throughout the three years a good deal