trast to the colour of the backing material, it is possible to provide attractive patterned exposed faces.
Probably the abrasive blasting sys- tem represents the most statisfactory method of producing these patterns which can be varied to an enormous number of design effects with the use of simple template designs.
On these spaces around and between buildings seating, balustrad- ing, shelters, flower stands, etc., are frequently taken from standard ranges of concrete, steel or timber and generally are not in any way related to that particular environment and do not in any way add to the attraction of the landscape. It is quite possible for these to be constructed from reinforced plastic or concrete of an interesting and pleasing shape and design which can be linked in with the particular environment of the area.
With the correct use of resin bonded glass fibres, the correct sur- face finishing of the reinforced plastic and the correct choice of resins a quite satisfactory life factor can be obtained even in permanent outdoor applications. With the techniques available a deep relief face can be obtained and the surface face of the reinforced plastic can resemble natural stone or metal.
There could be some objections to the use of reinforced plastics for some of these applications due to many people's constant concern with
the problem of vandals, but it must be wrong if our designs are affected by producing objects which are vandal-proof when we should be concerned with producing designs which are for the benefit of the population and it may be that if these articles are sufficiently attractive the problem of vandalism may not be so great as generally expressed.
Concrete has of course many applications in the field of landscape furniture and a wider range of designs and surface finishes is now possible with the use of plastic materials for the production of moulds, The correct application of surface texture produces many im- provements over the general fair- faced type of simple construction which is so frequently used.
Pedestrian Areas
With the problems of the motor car in our present existence there must, in future, be a greater tendency for large areas to be provided for pedestrian access only, particularly in the shopping areas. Under these conditions, when one is concerned solely with pedestrians, the whole aspect of these areas can be changed with the effective use of properly designed landscape furniture. As an example, it would not be difficult to provide, instead of the present dull street names, a picture design of the street name in addition to the actual words and it would be possible for
these to be produced in reinforced plas- tis or concrete at a reasonable cost.
In a shopping precinct an interest- ing development may be for the shop names to be placed at low level. below the shop window, instead of the general positioning at high level making it necessary for people to step back from the shop window to establish the name of the shop. Again, in certain areas it may be interesting to give some pictorial method of establishing the shop's business.
Water always forms an interesting part of any landscape but fountains appear to have been somewhat neglected in recent years. Perhaps we should consider a form of water movement not necessarily related to the conventional fountain of water spray as in many cases the movement of water in a different form could blend into the landscape more effec- tively. With the range of surface and water treatments available there should be no reason why unsightly staining of these units should occur.
The design, the materials and the knowledge for producing the articles. and finishes briefly described in this article are undoubtedly available and if we approach the problems of exterior finishing and landscaping with the same concern and enthu- siasm we apply to the interior finish- ing of our buildings we will make a valuable contribution to our present and future communities.
CHOOSE MEM AUTO-MEMOTA
MEM
STOP
the starter that's been proved all over the world
A HUGE TOTAL of Auto-Memota starters is now in service in all kinds of industries all over the world. The Auto-Memota has proved its ability to protect electric motors on even the most vital duties. Fitted with indirectly heated thermal overload trip on each phase and inherent no-volt release. Made in direct and star-delta types for motors up to 15 HP.
Full details from:
INNISS & RIDDLE (CHINA) LTD.,
P.O. Box 73, 608/616 Prince's Building, 6th Floor, Hong Kong. BORNEO-MALAYA REPRESENTATIVES LIMITED.
P.O. Box 2197, Crosby House, Robinson Road, Singapore. VUNG CHONG & Cu
No. 164 Section 1, Sinsheng N Rd. (CS), Taipeh, Taiwan. WARNER BARNES & CO., LTD.
P.O. Box 294, Hongkong Bank Building, Manila, Philippines.
MIDLAND ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.
Reddings Lane, Tyseley, Birmingham 11 England.
MEM
Far East Architect & Builder December, 1967
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