holding an architectural competition at all were they already convinced that they had found the ideal designer in some architect of acknowledged reputation. It is a wise policy in matters of this kind to allow for the unexpected, and to make possible the submission of the design of a building having certain qualities and dispositions such as might not occur to the imagination of assessors, however eminent. It is noteworthy that there appeared in the pages of this journal, two years ago, an article in which we recommended the formulation of just such a clause as has been adopted in the case of Wimbledon. We then urged that architectural assessors should recognise their natural limitations, and, while safeguarding themselves, also serve the best interest of their art by introducing into their conditions for competitions a clause devised to give the architectural programme the requisite elasticity. They should say, in effect, “This is the accommodation which the building owners require. We believe that the rooms can best be disposed in the following manner. ” And then should follow the list of rooms which, in the opinion of the assessors, should be placed upon the respective floors, and other desirable elements in the plan and the general disposition of the building of the site should be carefully outlined. Then we urged that finally should come the important clause, the ultimate charter of freedom for both assessors and competitors, couched in terms such as the following: ˮ But if any architect can show that the programme can be fulfilled more satisfactorily by any other method, he is at liberty to submit a design which violates one or more of the conditions, it being clearly understood that he does so at his own risk, and that his design will need to be of superlative merit in order to be preferred to others which have strictly complied with the ini unctions of the assessors. ”
A New Model Clause.
It will be seen that the clause just quoted is similar in effect to the one adopted by Mr. Ashley, the assessor of the Wimbledon competition. A certain number of model clauses have already been incorporated in the conditions, and instructions which are usually sent to entrants for architectural competitions. Some of these, such as the provisos which deal with the conditions under which the architect will be employed to execute the design, and the conditions under which the competitors will be disqualified, are very valuable, and it is a great convenience to the assessor that such clauses should be stereotyped. We would suggest, however, that, in addition to these, yet another model clause should be inserted as a matter of course in every set of competition conditions, the clause being drafted in some such terms as those adopted in the two paragraphs here quoted. The matter is of great importance, and we would venture to suggest that special attention be given to it, on the part of the Competition Committee of the R. I. B. A., as the type of clause recommended appears to be such a perfect safeguard against the supremely undignified squabbles which have arisen over competition awards in the past.
The Wimbledon Site.
The Wimbledon Corporation have secured an excellent site for their new building. The area includes not only the site of the existing Town Hall, but some extensive workshops and sheds to the north and east of it. Not only has the site two corner street frontages, but it closes the vista of the Wimbledon Broadway, and thus any public building erected here will be shown to conspicuous advantage. The Council suite of offices is to include not only a Council chamber with public gallery and ante-room, but a Mayor’s parlour, robing rooms, committee rooms, library and waiting-room, and a balcony or other
suitable place for announcing election results. This latter is a very important feature in a modern town hall, and may well be given great architectural prominence. All this accommodation may be planned upon the first floor, which in this instance will be the principal floor of the building and, indeed, if space could be found, might suitably be approached by a grand flight of steps. The Town Clerk’s department consists of offices for a large number of clerks, as do also the departments of the Borough Surveyor and the Borough Treasurer, all of which may be on the ground floor. The departments of Valuation, Electrical Engineering and Public Health will presumably be on the second floor, while the basement will include heating chamber, fuel store, electricity sub-station and strong rooms. Miscellaneous accommodation in the form of inquiry offices, lavatories, telephone exchange, and a large general typing room for all departments must also be provided, as well as a small flat for the Caretaker. In addition to these municipal offices, a Public Assembly Hall has to be included in the building. This is intended to be used for concerts, public meetings, lectures, and theatrical performances, while the floor of the hall should be suitable for dancing. A properly equipped kitchen is also required for serving banquets. Thus it will be seen, like many other modern buildings, this is a composite one which will need exceedingly skilful planning if this large number of subsidiary apartments are to be provided without sacrificing the dignity and orderliness of the elevations. Fortunately the building will not be exposed to view upon all sides, and it will therefore be possible to relax a little from the highest standards of design in the frontages away from the public thoroughfare. The elevations to Broadway and Queens Road are to be faced with Portland stone. It is stated that a tower is not required. It may be hoped, however, that some means will be found of giving to the building its proper municipal status, for it scarcely seems desirable that shops and office blocks should be decorated with civic emblems which the Town Hall is expected to abjure.
Competitors are required to submit their designs not later than Wednesday, November 30, 1927.
University Building Courses
The possibilities of university courses in building have been foreshadowed by the proposal of builders in the north-western area to endow a Chair of Building at Manchester University; and Dr. Stradling, Director of the Building Research Station of the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research, further emphasised their desirability at last week’s London Conference of Teachers of Building Construction and Allied Subjects at Technical Schools, which had been convened by the Board of Education. The master builder under modern conditions has to organise difficult technical processes and labour, and he should, therefore, have a knowledge of his materials which would enable him to he aware of the natural forces brought into play when he exposed them in any particular situation. In Doctor Stradling’s opinion, through lack of university courses, we might slip back in our real technical knowledge. Even the university courses in existence for architects might be strengthened by a more intensive study of materials. A more comprehensive training in reinforced concrete design certainly seems marked out as one of the first additions to the architect’s university training, and it is not to be met by separate instruction (a) in structural steel and (b) in concrete.
The magnificent bronze gates, made by Pietro Torrigiano for Henry VII. ’s Chapel at Westminster Abbey, are undergoing a thorough cleaning.
A New Model Clause.
It will be seen that the clause just quoted is similar in effect to the one adopted by Mr. Ashley, the assessor of the Wimbledon competition. A certain number of model clauses have already been incorporated in the conditions, and instructions which are usually sent to entrants for architectural competitions. Some of these, such as the provisos which deal with the conditions under which the architect will be employed to execute the design, and the conditions under which the competitors will be disqualified, are very valuable, and it is a great convenience to the assessor that such clauses should be stereotyped. We would suggest, however, that, in addition to these, yet another model clause should be inserted as a matter of course in every set of competition conditions, the clause being drafted in some such terms as those adopted in the two paragraphs here quoted. The matter is of great importance, and we would venture to suggest that special attention be given to it, on the part of the Competition Committee of the R. I. B. A., as the type of clause recommended appears to be such a perfect safeguard against the supremely undignified squabbles which have arisen over competition awards in the past.
The Wimbledon Site.
The Wimbledon Corporation have secured an excellent site for their new building. The area includes not only the site of the existing Town Hall, but some extensive workshops and sheds to the north and east of it. Not only has the site two corner street frontages, but it closes the vista of the Wimbledon Broadway, and thus any public building erected here will be shown to conspicuous advantage. The Council suite of offices is to include not only a Council chamber with public gallery and ante-room, but a Mayor’s parlour, robing rooms, committee rooms, library and waiting-room, and a balcony or other
suitable place for announcing election results. This latter is a very important feature in a modern town hall, and may well be given great architectural prominence. All this accommodation may be planned upon the first floor, which in this instance will be the principal floor of the building and, indeed, if space could be found, might suitably be approached by a grand flight of steps. The Town Clerk’s department consists of offices for a large number of clerks, as do also the departments of the Borough Surveyor and the Borough Treasurer, all of which may be on the ground floor. The departments of Valuation, Electrical Engineering and Public Health will presumably be on the second floor, while the basement will include heating chamber, fuel store, electricity sub-station and strong rooms. Miscellaneous accommodation in the form of inquiry offices, lavatories, telephone exchange, and a large general typing room for all departments must also be provided, as well as a small flat for the Caretaker. In addition to these municipal offices, a Public Assembly Hall has to be included in the building. This is intended to be used for concerts, public meetings, lectures, and theatrical performances, while the floor of the hall should be suitable for dancing. A properly equipped kitchen is also required for serving banquets. Thus it will be seen, like many other modern buildings, this is a composite one which will need exceedingly skilful planning if this large number of subsidiary apartments are to be provided without sacrificing the dignity and orderliness of the elevations. Fortunately the building will not be exposed to view upon all sides, and it will therefore be possible to relax a little from the highest standards of design in the frontages away from the public thoroughfare. The elevations to Broadway and Queens Road are to be faced with Portland stone. It is stated that a tower is not required. It may be hoped, however, that some means will be found of giving to the building its proper municipal status, for it scarcely seems desirable that shops and office blocks should be decorated with civic emblems which the Town Hall is expected to abjure.
Competitors are required to submit their designs not later than Wednesday, November 30, 1927.
University Building Courses
The possibilities of university courses in building have been foreshadowed by the proposal of builders in the north-western area to endow a Chair of Building at Manchester University; and Dr. Stradling, Director of the Building Research Station of the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research, further emphasised their desirability at last week’s London Conference of Teachers of Building Construction and Allied Subjects at Technical Schools, which had been convened by the Board of Education. The master builder under modern conditions has to organise difficult technical processes and labour, and he should, therefore, have a knowledge of his materials which would enable him to he aware of the natural forces brought into play when he exposed them in any particular situation. In Doctor Stradling’s opinion, through lack of university courses, we might slip back in our real technical knowledge. Even the university courses in existence for architects might be strengthened by a more intensive study of materials. A more comprehensive training in reinforced concrete design certainly seems marked out as one of the first additions to the architect’s university training, and it is not to be met by separate instruction (a) in structural steel and (b) in concrete.
The magnificent bronze gates, made by Pietro Torrigiano for Henry VII. ’s Chapel at Westminster Abbey, are undergoing a thorough cleaning.