Elevator Enclosures and Cars

摘要

In 1899, the International Textbook Co. (the publishing division of the International Correspondence Schools) published a new book titled Ornamental Ironwork. The topic was introduced as follows: "Iron is used in building construction to serve two purposes, one structural and the other ornamental; but [it] becomes an element of architectural consideration only when both purposes are combined." Thus, the unknown author of this book attempted to distinguish between the use of iron for structural or engineering purposes, which had no aesthetic value, and the use of iron as applied ornament or decoration, which had no connection to the true nature of the material. The author believed that the best approach was to "develop a system or scheme of design which will be consistent with the conditions imposed by the material and its structural use." This statement derives, in part, from 19th century discussions concerning the idea of what constituted "modern" design and the need to "truthfully" use materials according to their inherent characteristics and qualities.