Project #1 Webpage
The Fireplace as a Suburban Artifact
An Exhibition by Tariq A. Dahmas
March 13, 1996
This project will analyze a
suburban artifact and its role in suburbia. A
historical and social viewpoint will be emphasized in the analysis in
order to derive the true significance of the artifact. I have selected
the fireplace to analyze as a suburban artifact. Its abundant existence
in suburbia makes it an artifact worth exploring.
The fireplace is presently
a suburban icon. Over time it has transformed from a family symbol to a
status symbol. As a result, the fireplace has been devaluated
symbolically in
the view of society. Suburbia and fireplaces will be tied together and
associated with each other as long as the suburban ideal values the
fireplace as a status symbol.
History of the Fireplace
Fire, as a source of
warmth, has been around since the origin of
human life. Early endeavors to harness the element of fire consisted of
lighting a fire in the middle of a room and allowing the smoke to escape
through a hole in the roof of the dwelling. This primitive, but
effective method was manipulated until the end of the eleventh century
A.D. While the Romans developed an underfloor system based upon the same
central hearth system, others retained a more primitive open hearth design.
The creation of the
fireplace is attributed to the Norman
invaders of England. In order to heat their enormous stone castles, they
needed to create an adequate heating structure. An underground hearth
system was impractical since the floors were wooden and the structure
several stories high (McDonald, 4). Therefore a
fireplace, built into the
structure of the castle was the only rational design. This would allow
the use of one chimney, for several fireplaces on different stories, by
manipulating a common location. In order to accommodate the large rooms
and decreased exposure to the fire by its relocation, fireplaces were
often enormous in size. Therefore, the fire continued to dominate the
room.
The wealthy citizens of Norman
England adopted the new style of a
wall fireplace while the poor continued to use the open hearth design.
This reflected the rejection of the foreign Norman style by the Saxon
populace. This was due, in part, to the belief that Norman practices
were influenced by French customs and tastes (McDonald, 9). But more importantly,
the poor could not afford the materials and labor required to erect a
suitable fireplace. In fact, the open hearth design did not totally
disappear until the eighteenth century.
Fireplace design and
development was conducted mainly in northern
Europe. Influenced by the Normans, many northern European societies
adopted the fireplace design into their building forms. Yet,
England
contributed the most developments to the design and function of the
fireplace. As a result, fireplace history is formed around an Anglo
perspective.
Increased stability in the
sixteenth century brought about the
aesthetic aspect of the fireplace. With the threat of foreign attack and
invasion greatly diminished, the English began to make stylistic changes
to the appearance of the fireplace. The protruding fume-hood was
replaced by a recessed fireplace and the Tudor arch was replaced with a
rectangular shaped opening. "Later as many craftsmen came from Italy,
Flanders and
Germany, the fireplace gradually became an object of display, considered
as a separate exercise and no longer part of the building" (McDonald, 21).
The ornate artistic styles of
the
Renaissance
also affected the
structure of the fireplace. Marble and ornate details were used to adorn
the fireplace. Italian designs defined the style of the fireplaces of
this era. The artistic "revolution" of the seventeenth century, however,
did have a negative impact on the artifact. It was fully reduced to the
status of an end-piece of a room. Popularized as a status symbol, the
fireplace quickly began to appear in the private chambers of the
wealthy.
The eighteenth century
brought about the full demise of the open
hearth fire. "The central hearth was now a thing of the past, save in
the homes of the very poor, and so was the fireplace in the Norman sense;
both had been replaced by a fireplace representing , not a way of life,
but a commodity" (McDonald, 28). A refining of
the artistic style was
attempted during the Victorian period of England. The Italian decor of
marble was replace with cast iron details and tiling. Many of these
fashions did not catch on and were abandoned later.
As a utilitarian entity, the
fireplace began to truly demise in
the later half of the nineteenth century and the early portion of the
twentieth century. Alternate resources were harnessed to produce heat in
a more efficient manner. First by steam, then by oil, and finally by
electrically driven heaters, the fireplace was fazed out. It became a
totally aesthetic object and most people decided to neglect the element
of a fireplace from
their homes. The fireplace was again an item desired and possessed by the
rich. Yet, not as a necessity, but as a luxury.
The resurrection of the
fireplace as a status symbol caused it to become
a suburban phenomenon. Twentieth century suburbia attempted to capture
the spirit and elegance
of the fireplace, but failed. New home owners desired the fireplace
because it made their homes feel more cozy and habitable, while at the
same time giving them upper-class auras. During this period the
fireplace truly became an artifact, defined and symbolized by the
inhabitants of suburbia.
The Modern Fireplace
After many centuries of
evolution, the modern fireplace has
achieved a relatively simplistic design. While the wealthy continue to
lavishly decorate their fireplaces, the mainstream design adheres to a
more restrained taste. Yet, the ornamental quality of the artifact is
still retained and emphasized. It is meant to accentuate the room and
provide a cozy environment for those in the room.
The materials used in the
construction of the modern fireplace
follow the same approach as that used in the past. Brick is used in
almost all situations to construct the foundation of the structure.
Stone is sometimes used instead of brick if it is more consistent with
the general theme of the house or room. The fireplace is placed into the
wall without any fume-hood attached. The smoke is designed to escape
through a smoke shaft contained within the chimney. Technical
specifications such as dimensions and fireproofing depend on the size of
the room and the height of the chimney. The fireplace opening, or
firebox, is constructed so that the height affords a good view into the
fire (Danz, 24). Overall, the construction of the
structure
blends in with the remainder of the room and the building itself.
Since the fireplace is an
aesthetic touch to the room, its
location and design must be carefully selected. "The determination of
the most suitable location for the fireplace depends largely upon the
orientation of the entire room structure" (Danz,
12). Position with
respect to the chimney and function of the room are significant factors
in determining location. Design consideration rest largely upon the
prevailing theme of the room. However, "the hearth and fireplace opening
are the most important parts of the fireplace...the functional aspect of
the individual part must not be overlooked" (Danz,
14). Much like in the
Victorian period, modern fireplaces are often adorned with iron plating,
natural stones, and ceramic tiles, in addition to a wooden or marble
mantle. Additional focal points are added to provide different design
themes. Examples include bookcases, plant boxes, or a raised platform.
Minor ornaments such as brass pokers and grates give the fireplace a
distinct touch of elegance.
The modern fireplace has
adopted in more than stylistic ways to
the innovations of today. The most dramatic change has been the use of
electricity to produced an artificial fire. Although the structure is
the same, the wooden logs are replaced by electric logs that produce a
convincing flame. This device further promotes the ornamental quality of
the fireplace. An electric fireplace is preferred by some because of its
ease of use and effortless results.
In the present age the
fireplace has become a psychological
rather than physical element. The fireplace is not used often because of
the labor involved or lack of need. It is merely a showpiece that is a
minor detail of the house. Its presence supplies the aura of coziness
and comfort, but for practical purposes, it is not used to produce such
an environment.
A Domestic Ornament
Due to the redefinition of the
meaning of the fireplace,
the artifact has become devaluated both in function and symbolism. The
fireplace has become a luxury item for the homeowner. It once stood for
unity and comfort, but now it is more of a stylistic footnote to the
design of the house.
As a functional item, the
fireplace is currently ineffective.
The artifact has been replaced by more modern and efficient heating
devices. While the fireplace can only heat a single room of a moderate
size, modern central heating systems can heat an entire house.
Byproducts and labor are nonexistent with modern systems, which contrasts
greatly with the fireplace. People are no longer willing to deal with
the hassle of procuring firewood, removing ashes, and other laborious
tasks involved in creating a fire. Fireplaces are no longer desired for
their ability to provide warmth.
Due to the lack of need for
fireplaces, the artifacts have
transformed into luxury items. They are valued for their aesthetic
compliments to the home and ability to define the character of a room.
Fireplaces are not used regularly in modern times, and they often sit
without use for an extended period of time. The existence of the
electric fireplace adds to the superficial quality of the fireplace in
the present age.
The status of the fireplace
as a tool has diminished. People
regard it as a mere decorative item rather than a functioning device. As
a result, its symbolic significance to society has changed.
Cultural Symbolism
As the fireplace became
popularized during the
Middle
Ages,
the notion of it as the hub of the family was also popularized. In the
twentieth century this meaning has been significantly redefined due to
the demise of the fireplace as a utilitarian tool. This has ultimately
caused
contemporary society to disregard past significance of the fireplace and
its symbolism.
Families of the Middle Ages and
periods leading up to the twentieth
century viewed the fireplace as more than just a tool. It was a hearth
and source of energy for the family structure. In Norman times, the
family gathered around the hearth to feast and derive warmth. This
contact around the fire slowly developed into a ritual. Collection
around the fireplace signified unity and bonding. As time progressed,
and the fireplace took on more artistic attributes, the hearth was a
symbol of pride. Ornaments, paintings, and family heirlooms were placed
on the mantle to display the achievements of the family. The fireplace
took on a spirit of honesty and kinship. Franklin Roosevelt harnessed
this image in his weekly "Fireside Chats", which were broadcast by radio
to the country. It is this connotation that prevented the artistic
qualities from overriding the symbolic qualities of the fireplace
throughout most of its history.
The advent of electricity
brought about the demise of the
fireplace as a source of meaning. This occurred, not by the replacement
of the fireplace with other energy forms, but by the replacement of the
hearth with the radio and later the television. The hearth used to be a
device for collecting the family for chats and stories. It was the
centerpiece for entertainment. Yet, when the radio came along, the
family no longer needed to rely upon itself for entertainment, it was
provided by the "electronic" hearth. The television furthered this
transition and it is considered by many to be the family hub of today.
This phenomenon is analyzed by both Rob Levendosky and George Nachman. They
discuss the implications of the television's emergence as a cultural
symbol and guide.
Fireplaces eventually lost their symbolic meanings and were dragged into
the state of being ornaments, just like those that embellished its mantle.
In the present times, the
fireplace has become a strictly
suburban artifact. Most new homes built in the suburbs contain the
element of a fireplace. In fact, it is only in the suburbs that
fireplaces exist in such large, and mass-produced quantities. The
suburbanite feels that the fireplace gives the home a distinct feel and
atmosphere. Its meaning has regressed into being a status symbol. A
home with a fireplace is viewed as complete, even if the fireplace is
only a modest one. Although it is only occasionally used, the fireplace
gives the impression of good taste and class. Suburban dwellers acquired
this view because it symbolized their upward mobility. It was, in
effect, the embodiment of their suburban ideals. As it turned out, these
ideals were often shallow; almost as shallow as the image of the
fireplace itself.
The Fireplace Reconsidered
In my personal view, the
fireplace does not hold a specific symbolic meaning.
This is primarily due to the fact that many of the homes that I lived in
did not contain fireplaces. And when a particular residence did possess a
fireplace, it was regarded as a marginal aspect of the home. They were not
ornately
decorated or realistically functional to fit any purpose. In essence,
the fireplace was a novelty. Occasionally my family would use the
fireplace, but
without much satisfaction. It was never a bonding element, as others in
the past viewed it to be, because it did not have the power to entertain.
Katie Coulter argues that the theme of family
togetherness is still infused within suburban values. In her analysis of
the
family room,
Katie tends to see the artifacts within the family room as indicative of
this prevalence of family bonding. Her analysis draws insight into
the replacement of the fireplace by more modern devices as tools to
unite families.
Personal experiences have
guided me to the conclusion that the
fireplace is increasingly becoming a novelty. Contemporary home builders
opt for the electric fireplace to make it more interesting as a device.
Its functional aspects, however, have diminished. The classic fireplace
with detailed designs and accessories is now purely an item of luxury or
individual taste. In my vision, it can never
realize any
greater status in the future. The fireplace is permanently fused with the
suburban ideal as a material aspect of suburbia.
The suburbs continue to retain
the fireplace theme because it is
still viewed by many to be a status symbol. It will probably continue to
flourish in suburbia, in existence but not importance. The fireplace
will continue to exist as a novelty to be tinkered with, but not taken
seriously.
Related Topics
To visit a gallery of sculpted fireplaces
click here.
Return to the Portfolio
Page
Visit Tariq's
Homepage