bb G. H. KNIBBS. 



on which architectural features are developed, in symmetrical group- 

 ing, with however such relief in detail as to obviate too cold and 

 severe an effect, or what may perhaps be called an appearance of 

 excessive symmetry. The proper subordination in the various 

 parts of structures of their mass effects is also essential to awaken 

 that impression of stability and repose which, together with 

 grandeur of form and beauty of outline, and the grace of har- 

 monious ornament, constitute the ideal of architectural design. 

 Although these matters require the immediate and intense atten- 

 tion rather of those charged with erecting the buildings of a city, 

 than of those whose function it is to design its streets and general 

 arrangements, the latter can by no means neglect them. A know- 

 ledge of, and attention to aesthetic laws are absolutely necessary 

 in studying a design, for as the eye passes over the contoured plan 

 of a proposed site, the artistic possibilities of every feature must 

 array themselves before the consciousness of the designer, if his 

 work is in any way to exhaust them. 



Outside the aesthetics of Architecture proper, the designer 

 requires moreover to consider, in general, the picturesque effect 

 of masses of foliage, the perspective appearance of monumental 

 buildings and monuments from the points of view where they 

 will be prominently seen, the grouping of buildings and classes of 

 buildings, the effective position for parks, gardens, etc., the spatial 

 provision necessary for the proper viewing of all features of in- 

 terest, and so on ; for it is by attention to such elements of city 

 design that the possibility of beauty is created, and the picturesque 

 capabilities of a site are exploited. Thus eminences and concave 

 surfaces, both of which lend themselves to striking effects, should 

 be exhaustively studied in relation to the general scheme. 



16. Sites for monumental buildings and monuments. — The two 

 classes of site that give the necessary prominence to monumental 

 buildings are the summit of hills and the centres of amphitheatres : 

 the one bringing a building into relief against the sky, the other 

 shewing it in relation to its surroundings. In both cases the 

 preservation of space about the building greatly enhances its 



