The Maine Architecture & Landscape Database organizes and searches for items at the commission (project) level. A commission is presented as single Maine Memory Network record. A commission may range from one to several hundred drawings. If an architect or designer worked on the same project over time, or if a different architect worked on a given project at a later date, the database may include more than one commission for the same location.
What's included...
A commission typically includes working drawings, such as floor plans, elevations, framing or engineering plans. On occasion, photographs, specifications or other supplemental materials are included in a commission, or exist in the database as a stand alone record. Reasons for additional stand alone records might include separate storage, different provenance, or preservation. In such cases, a researcher should evaluate relationships between the records.
Architectural renderings, also known as presentation drawings, are also represented either as part of a commission or as a stand alone record. Renderings are often considered works of art, and therefore may warrant a stand alone record, even if directly related to a commission.
Keep in mind...
It should not be assumed holdings reflect projects "as built" or projects realized. Redundancy, including drawings by earlier architects are reflected throughout. Wherever possible, contributing architects, designers, contractors and vendor names are included at the record level, however this field is not comprehensive.
Digitization is ongoing...
The Maine Architecture & Landscape Database aims to include at least one image from each commission. As commissions are digitized, new images are added to the database. However, adding at least one image per commission is considered a priority over digitizing commissions in full. Digitization services are for those interested in obtaining copies, or sponsoring a commission. Please contact info@vintagemaineimages.com for more information.