Thesis (BS)--University of Illinois, 1897TypescriptBound with 14 other University of Illinois Architecture theses IU-

Plym, Francis John

Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship Repository

D E S I G NFOR A/T^useum o f paii?tip<2 ai?d 5eu*PtureFRANCIS J. PLYM.T H E S I S. FOR .DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE. IN  .ARCHITECTURE.UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.1897.Ar~LDESCRIPTION OF DESIGN FOR AMUSEUM OF PAINTING AND SCULPTURE.The problem chosen is an Art Museum for Painting and Sculpture, to be supported bj» the Municipality or Federal Government, and located in a large city. It is assumed to be situated in a large square or park, surrounded by beautiful gardens, terraces, pavillions and xOuntains. These treated in a quiet way would lend dignity and add charm to the surroundings. Convenient walks and drives would also be desireable features in making the whole composition harmonize.In designing an Art Museum, it seems as though the most appropriate style, all things con­sidered, is the classicj however, it is necessary to modify the proportions oi the various mouldings to suit the northern climate.The facade of the building is treated with a colossal order, in a modified Greek Doric style, but even though the style has been changed in adapting it to a modern structure, it has a strong Greek feeling.Jointing in the stone work has been carefully avoided whenever monoliths could be used, inorder to preserve the solidity of the structure.The roof forms one of the principal features of the exterior design, being in one uninter­rupted line it gives to the whole that noble effect so ciesireable in public buildings. The ends are 3lightly projected, which tends to give strength to this portion of the building.The entrance is marked by a large portico, which is approached by an easy and grand flight of steps. The steps are divided by a prominent group of statuary, and flanked by two crouchinglions.On entering, the coat room is to the right and the office on the left, both being conven­iently situated, so that a visitor may at once obtain a guide for a Journey through the build­ing.The first floor would be occupied principally by the various schools ol sculpture.The rotunda is one of the principal features of the interior design, both as to size andelaborateness of decoration. This would tend to give the visitor a feeling of admiration that\is so desireable when first entering a public building.Special study has been devoted, in the arrangement or the floor plans, to making it poss­ible for a visitor to see everything in one continuous Journey through the building. Special places have been arranged for all prominent statues and rare collections, as well as torvaluable fragments of ancient and mediaeval sculpture.The central rotunda gives access to alj. parts of the building, and beautilul marble 3tairslead from here to the different floors.In the second story are the paintings and finer divisions of textiles, a small auditoriumcalculated to seat a maximum of £50 persons. Opposite this lecture hall is a eonveriient and moderate sized library room* where valuable art works and current publications may be kept on file. These two rooms and the two special exhibition rooms would be lighted entirely by oky— lights, but all other space is well illuminated by side lights. These sidelights must, however, be carefully arranged in order to avoid any possible reflections ol light to the eyes oi the observers.The finish in the second story would be best in some dark color, such as cherry or mahog­any, as these colors would match best with the Similar hue3 of the paintings.The ceilings should be frescoed in dark tones and the walls below the pictures wainscoted in some dark Sienna marble.The first floor finish should be much lighter in color, possibly oak or sycamore. The\wall decorations should be in light colors to match.The basement coixld be conveniently arranged for an art school, together with several private studios.Minor offices, toilet rooms, repair rooms, janitor's room and the heating plant are also located in the basement.The building throughout is assumed to be thoroughly fireproof, or as near as modern con­struction can make it. No inflammable or decaying material would be permitted in its construc­tion.In estimating the cost oi' this building according to the cubical contents, allowing b per cubic toot, the approximate cost would be i'rom 5900,000 to $1,000,000.11

Design for a museum of painting and sculpture

IDEALS @ Illinois

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/2142/92277/1/5958440_opt.pdf

Design for a museum of painting and sculpture

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship Repository

IDEALS @ Illinois