From factories to palaces : architect Charles B. J. Snyder and the New York City public schools / Jean Arrington, with Cynthia Skeffington LaValle ; foreword by Peg Breen.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Arrington, Jean, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Snyder, C. B. J., 1860-1945.

Snyder, C. B. J.

Public schools--New York (State)--New York--History.

Public schools.

School buildings--New York (State)--New York--History.

School buildings.

Architecture--New York (State)--New York--History.

Architecture.

Education--New York (State)--New York--History.

Education.

New York (State)--New York.

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

272 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.

Edition:

Empire State Editions.

Place of Publication:

New York : Fordham University Press, 2022.

Summary:

"As Superintendent of School Buildings from 1891 to 1922, architect Charles B.J. Snyder elevated the standards of school architecture. Unprecedented immigration and progressive-era changes in educational philosophy led to his fresh approach to design andarchitecture which forever altered the look and feel of 20th-century classrooms and school buildings. Students rich or poor, immigrant or native New Yorker, went from learning in factory-like schools to attending classes in schools with architectural designs and enhancements that to many resembled palaces. Spanning three decades, From Factories to Palaces provides a thought-provoking narrative of Charles Snyder and shows how he integrated his personal experiences and innovative design skills with progressive-era school reform to improve students' educational experience in New York City and, by extension, across the nation. During his thirty-one years of service, Snyder oversaw the construction of over four hundred New York City public schools and additions, of which more than half remain in use today. Instead of blending in with the surrounding buildings as earlier schools had, Snyder's were grand and imposing. "He does that which no other architect before his time ever did or tried: He builds them beautiful," wrote Jacob Riis. Working with the Building Bureau, Snyder addressed the school situation on three fronts: appearance, construction, and function. He redesigned schools for greater light and air, improved their sanitary facilities and incorporated quality-of-life features such as heated cloakrooms and water fountains. Author and educator Dr. Jean Arrington chronicles how Snyder worked alongside a group of like-minded, hard-working individuals- building bureau draftsmen, builders, engineers, school administrators, teachers, and custodians-to accomplish this feat. This revelatory book offers fascinating glimpses into the nascent world of modern education, from the development of specialty areas, such as the school gymnasium, auditorium, and lunchroomto the emergence of school desks with backs as opposed to uncomfortable benches, all housed in some of the first fireproofed schools in the nation. Thanks to Snyder, development was always done with the student's safety, wellbeing, and learning in mind. Lively historical drawings, architectural layouts, and photographs of school building exteriors and interiors enhance the engaging story"-- Provided by publisher.

"As Superintendent of School Buildings from 1891 to 1922, architect Charles B.J. Snyder elevated the standards of school architecture. Unprecedented immigration and progressive-era changes in educational philosophy led to his fresh approach to design and architecture which forever altered the look and feel of 20th-century classrooms and school buildings. Students rich or poor, immigrant or native New Yorker, went from learning in factory-like schools to attending classes in schools with architectural designs and enhancements that to many resembled palaces. Spanning three decades, From Factories to Palaces provides a thought-provoking narrative of Charles Snyder and shows how he integrated his personal experiences and innovative design skills with progressive-era school reform to improve students' educational experience in New York City and, by extension, across the nation. During his thirty-one years of service, Snyder oversaw the construction of over four hundred New York City public schools and additions, of which more than half remain in use today. Instead of blending in with the surrounding buildings as earlier schools had, Snyder's were grand and imposing. "He does that which no other architect before his time ever did or tried: He builds them beautiful," wrote Jacob Riis. Working with the Building Bureau, Snyder addressed the school situation on three fronts: appearance, construction, and function. He redesigned schools for greater light and air, improved their sanitary facilities and incorporated quality-of-life features such as heated cloakrooms and water fountains. Author and educator Dr. Jean Arrington chronicles how Snyder worked alongside a group of like-minded, hard-working individuals- building bureau draftsmen, builders, engineers, school administrators, teachers, and custodians-to accomplish this feat. This revelatory book offers fascinating glimpses into the nascent world of modern education, from the development of specialty areas, such as the school gymnasium, auditorium, and lunchroom to the emergence of school desks with backs as opposed to uncomfortable benches, all housed in some of the first fireproofed schools in the nation. Thanks to Snyder, development was always done with the student's safety, wellbeing, and learning in mind. Lively historical drawings, architectural layouts, and photographs of school building exteriors and interiors enhance the engaging story"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Foreword / by Peg Breen

Introduction: Hidden in Plain Sight

The Making of an Architect 1860-1945

Auspicious Times for Snyder's Public-School Mandate

The Creative Decade 1891-1900: Making Revolutionary Change

The Prolific Decade 1901-1910: Building a World-Class Public System

The Standardizing Decade 1911-1922: A Dimming of the Glory

Epilogue: Retirement and Successors.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Athenaeum copy: Albert M. Greenfield Memorial Fund.

ISBN:

9780823299164

0823299163

OCLC:

1300756220