FROM AN ARCHITECT'S SKETCHBOOK
Perspective sketch of building from the approach road
Architecture is a fascinating profession.
Don't you envy the thrill that is vouchsafed to the trained architect when he gazes upon an expanse of land and conjures up visions of shapes and shadows into a structure that trans- forms the barren waste into the abode of life and the home of dreams?
Don't you envy his ability to transfer these dreams on to paper by means of a few deft pencilled lines so that the interpretation of his ideas manifest themselves to the uninitiated?
Still more can he be envied the experience and training which enables him to design and plan and shape into brick and stone and concrete and wood the actual substance of his ephemeral vision.
And, finally, as the building takes form under the hands of the builder and on its final completion he watches it assuming the colour and warmth and personality of its cccupants, he can truly feel that he was responsible for a miracle that will remain for many generations a monument to his imagination and skill.
On the rather steep hillside to the north of Island Road, near its junction with the Stanley Road, there will soon be built a private residence, modest in proportions and appointments, which will become the home of one of our Hong Kong residents. The sketches which comprise the architect's preliminary study of this residence are reproduced on these pages and, we feel sure, that many of our readers will be fascinated by the deftness and conciseness of the information conveyed by the few pencilled lines.
Look at the first sketch, the perspective view looking up to the house from the steep access road, remember that at this moment there is nothing but bare hillside, yet looking at this picture can't you imagine the finished build- ing in all its beauty?
The second sketch show the building as if looking down on it from the hillside above and shows the planning of the two floors, particularly from the point of view of the extensive terraces which will form such a fascinating adjunct to the enclosed areas.
Perspective drawing from above
20