general research and demonstration. The sessional year laboratory oc- cupies the whole of the first floor. This floor may also be utilized for examination purposes if required.
The second floor is made up of various small laboratories catering for such sciences as nucleonics, elec- tronics and radio-chemistry.
Staff rooms with tutorial areas and laboratories occupy the third floor. The main roof area is occupied by the geophysical research section. Ac- cess to this floor is by a new exten- sion of the existing stair.
A feature of the extension is the light tower which is adjacent to the new staircase. The tower enables re- cordings to be made of the motions and changes in solar prominences.
Lecture Theatre No. 1
The lecture theatre No. 1, the largest of the four units, has a seating capacity of 300 persons. Octagonal shaped, it also houses a projection room. a preparation area and store and the normal toilet facilities. A large storage area is formed by the stepped seats of the theatre. This per- mits the top level to be linked with the upper gallery and the lower level to be related to the lower ground floor of the physics block.
Materials
The structure of the physics exten- sion is of in situ concrete with brick in-fill in areas where good insulation is required. The north-west of the block is fully shielded with fixed and adjustable aluminium blades. Steel window casements at the back of the blades are made up of fixed and hung units.
Partitioning is made of hardwood frames with glazed and plywood panels. The concrete bench top is faced with hardwood strips. The ceil- ing is of abestos sheets fixed in square panels.
Cement paint is applied to all ex- ternal faces of the building while in- ternal walls are treated with distem- per.
The lecture theatre is also a rein-
Covered access to lecture theatre No. 1 with physics block at rear
forced
concrete framed structure by steel trusses spanning a maximum with brick in-fill panels. Steel window length of 70 ft. The ceiling is similar casements are shielded with vertical
to the physics block with recessed aluminium blades. The lower portion light fittings built in. Lights are con- of the theatre is faced with faience trolled by dimmers at the position of tiles.
the demonstration bench. Both build- The aluminium roof is supported ings are fully air-conditioned.
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STORE
Elevation from north-west
Lecture theatre No. 1. Lower ground floor plan
Ground floor plan
Far East Architect & Builder July, 1967
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