November, 1910 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



447 







The City of the S 



By Peter Roveda 



un 



URING much active technical study, and 

 large practice in different parts of the 

 world I have given my attention to the 

 important question of housing for the 

 masses, and have found an economical 

 solution which is practicable for the 

 poorer classes, hygienic for their physique, 

 elevating to their morals, provides them with a salutary 

 habitation, and which stimulates them to become proprie- 

 tors of their homes through effort. 



I transform the square block into a circle of the same 

 diameter as the square, which I subdivide Into 80 radial 

 lots converging to the center, and I divide these lots in 

 the center to form a circular street of 5 yards In width, 

 to permit communication with the houses in the interior 

 which are joined to one other, and two transverse streets 

 and also longitudinal streets, and within the third circle 

 in the center a circular garden is formed of 40 yards In 

 diameter Intended for the common recreation and particu- 

 larly as a playground for children, being thus out of dan- 

 ger. 



In the center of this general garden Is provided a 

 pavilion of two stories. The halls on the ground floor 

 would be apportioned thus: Two rooms for infant schools; 

 one for a medical dispensary; one for a gymnasium; and 

 one for the purposes of steam heating, electricity, water 

 and fire pumps. In the center, a hall for spectacular 

 shows, conferences and other entertainments: On the first 

 floor a hall to be used as a library; one for administrative 

 purposes; one for the various religious sects; and a fourth 

 for classes in arts, trades and music, and a principal hall 

 for a permanent exhibition of applied arts, industry, sci- 

 ence, literature and commerce. 



Inserted In the four corners which remain free from the 

 circular arrangement, are four chalets for use as business 



houses, such as groceries, dry goods shops, cafes, dairies, 

 etc., in a manner to provide all commodities for the 80 

 families which occupy each block, by having their necessi- 

 ties at hand; and at the same time to form this business In 

 co-operation. These four chalets are isolated, and have 

 on their first floor an apartment for a family, and are encir- 

 cled by gardens provided with two kiosks. For each of 

 the 80 lots I have designed a two-story house completely 

 independent, with a garden In the front and In the rear, 

 and with two communications, one to the street and one to 

 the common garden. Each house will have all modern 

 comforts, heat, hot and cold water, electricity, and gas, 

 and will be constructed in accordance with the most modern 

 system and materials, sanitary and proof against fire and 

 earthquake; being all framed in Iron. They will have a 

 cellar and a storeroom, and on the ground floor there will 

 be a vestibule, hall, dining-room, parlor, kitchen, wash- 

 room, pantry and toilet. On the first floor, a hall, three 

 bedrooms, a bathroom and a toilet, with an attic above. 



This circular distribution permits of the entrance of the 

 sun at all hours of the day, and also of air and of light; and 

 shortens the means of transmission. The principal avenue 

 will be 18 yards wide and will be lined with trees. The 

 houses of each family will be insured in special insurance 

 companies. The price being very low, will easily permit 

 the masses to become proprietors by amortization each 

 week or month of the price of the property within a period 

 of 12 or 15 years, so that the satisfaction of ownership 

 of their own dwellings will habituate them to economy. It 

 being a great advantage to the families and also to the 

 land that they become title holders. 



This will increase the noble sentiment of love for coun- 

 try; a sentiment which forms the true grandeur of a nation, 

 as history teaches us. I have called my project "The City 

 of the Sun," because It admits air and light. 







The general plan 



A section of the general plan 



