American Architecture: Studies

by Montgomery Schuyler

"American Architecture: Studies" by Montgomery Schuyler is a scholarly analysis of architectural design and trends written in the late 19th century. The work delves into various styles and examples of American architecture, discussing both their aesthetic value and their relationship to the art of building. It likely reflects on significant structures such as the Vanderbilt Houses and the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring the evolving principles of architectural practice in the United States during that era. The opening of the text introduces a foundational perspective on architecture, emphasizing the rift between architecture as an art and the practical aspects of building. Schuyler reflects on historical trends, lamenting the disconnect between architects and builders and critiquing the superficial adherence to styles that ignore the underlying principles of construction. He references a speech he delivered to the National Association of Builders to establish a connection between historical and contemporary practices, providing insight into the artistic and social implications of architectural choices at the time.