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22 Storeys Completed
in 25 Minutes
IN Australia a time-lapse camera has been used, possibly for the first time in the world, to record the erection of a major construction project.
Godfrey & Spowers, Hughes, Mewton & Lobb & Leith and Bartlett, architects, noted not only for their title but for their design of the 22-storey National Mutual Building in Melbourne, have produced a film showing every detail of the project in 25 minutes screening time.
A camera mounted on the roof of a building over- looking the site was controlled to take a picture of the growing building every 12 minutes. An electric clock ensured that the controller was put into action at the start of work each morning and stopped with the cessa- tion of work each afternoon. For close analysis the completed film can be readily examined frame by frame.
The time-lapse controller, a small precision instru- ment weighing only 20 lb., was invented by Mr. James T. Pattinson, of Ashburton, Victoria. It is now being applied to time and motion study and traffic analysis.
Prestressed Fins Will
Stop Sun-glare
MUCH praise has been given to New Zealand's Ministry of Works architects for their design for the new head- quarters of the NZ Meteorological Service at Wellington.
Serving as the nerve-centre of the entire meteorologi- cal analysis and weather forecasting service of the nation, the building will be a noticeable landmark on the western skyline of the city and will provide striking views of the city and harbour.
Outstanding feature of the building will be its ver- tical fins. These will be of prestressed concrete, designed to allow maximum internal light without sun-glare or overheating.
The four-storey reinforced concrete building is being constructed by Upton and Shearer Construction, Ltd., Wellington. It will have a floor space of 33,210 sq. ft. The top floor, which will have the largest area, will be headquarters of the national weather forecasting centre. Because delicate and intricate scientific instruments are to be installed on the rooftop, the building will be special- ly strengthened to prevent movement.
Model of the NZ Meteorological headquarters
Far East Architect & Builder January, 1965
New Tower of London
Tallest Building in Britain Complete
LONDON'S new Post Office tower tallest building in the British Isles is now ready for operational use with the completion of the lattice mast which tops the structure to a height of 620 ft.
The glass and concrete-walled tower supports a cir- cular revolving restaurant. This completes one revolution about every half-hour to give customers a changing panorama of the capital.
Floors one to five contain the ventilation and refri- geration plant and power units. Six to 16 accomodate radio equipment. Then come four galleries housing microwave equipment which will enable telephone and television signals to be beamed in and out of London from many directions.
The top four floor levels comprise an open public observation platform, a closed observation platform, a tea bar and the revolving restaurant which cantilevers out over the tea bar.
French Study Sessions
on Prestressing
STUDY sessions on prestressed concrete have been ar- ranged by the Association Scientifique de la Precon- trainte, French member group of the Federation Inter- nationale de la Precontrainte. The meetings will be held from March 16 to 18, 1965 at the Federation Nationale du Batiment et des Travaux Publics, 7 rue La Perouse, Paris.
Sessions will be devoted to the effects of heat and cooling on prestressed concrete, dome and thin shell roofs, high-strength cables and anchorage methods.
Further information on the study can be obtained from the Association Scientifique de la Precontrainte.
Vast Development Will Include 2,000 Flats
A MAJOR Waterfront development scheme costing $C85 million is planned for Toronto, Canada. The develop- ment will include one 23-storey and three 28-storey blocks providing 2,000 flats and a 22-storey hotel.
Office accommodation will include a 35-storey 720,000 sq. ft. block and a ten-storey headquarters build- ing for the Toronto Harbour Commissioners. A terminal warehouse, ferry docks, parks for 4,100 cars and an eight- acre public park and prommenade are also proposed.
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