Foreword, by Professor A. E. Richardson

THE purpose of this book is to supply an index to known forms of classic building and to present an analysis of elemental plans, sections and elevations arranged in a manner convenient for ready reference. While the author has found it expedient to base research on classic models, the book is not intended to encourage an extension of any particular type of stylistic building, neither does it lay stress on the furthering of tradition or the exploitation of any particular style. Its main object is rather to show, in the simplest way, the organic value of structural forms and to indicate how a building, whether large or small, depends for its ultimate expression on basic geometrical principles which are fundamental and constant.

Although it is possible for the experienced practitioner to enter upon the uncertain paths of adventure and from the depths of his knowledge to evolve novelty which may accord with the latest ideas, it is equally impossible for a beginner to neglect what has already been achieved. In the past, architects too often have selected motives from actual buildings or from authoritative books and have proceeded to fit them to new conditions, with the result that literal transcriptions have been made of historic models. This book has a more thorough purpose in view, for it aims at initiating all who are concerned with the design of buildings into first principles of arrangement irrespective of style, period or fashion, and its scope is deliberately limited to the most elementary of known forms.

The difficulties that beset a beginner, as well as a practising architect, when he is searching for a structural idea are many. Too often he essays a plan which cannot be developed in three dimensions, solely for want of sufficient knowledge of how such a theme can be carried to conclusion. Modern conditions call for up-to-date expression free from subservience to archeology, but this does not preclude the observance of principles which cannot be changed. Whether classic detail or any other stylistic articulation is used depends, however, upon the temperament of the individual designer. Most books of design attempt to condense the whole range of architectural achievement and to formulate theories which may or may not be of moment, but which in the process of time are bound to become obsolete. Besides being tedious and replete with irrelevant matter, such works tend to confuse the issue and to encourage an eclectic taste which is often pernicious in its results. Such faults have been only too common.

While a further volume dealing with more complex problems might with advantage be considered, it is felt that the scope of this book is more than sufficient to encourage adherence to rational theories. Much care has been expended upon the selection and arrangement of the examples illustrated: they should direct attention to the theory of vital building and enable all who see them to appreciate at a glance that completeness and unity of expression in fine structure which can only be developed from the ordered arrangement of plan and section. These are some of the purposes underlying the publication of the book and, if it is used rightly, it should have the result of enabling students and others to think for themselves, and in time to achieve that true quality which is never absent from the finest works of the past.

A. E. Richardson, Professor of Architecture in the University of London.