NEW
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
Architect: D. T. Walters, L.R.I.B.A.
We should imagine that, from an aesthetic point of view, the most difficult type of structure for the architect to design is an industrial or factory building. Regulations permit the full dimension of the lot to be built on, and normally the prime consideration is the obtaining of the maximum amount of covered area for the operation of the factory. Then again, although natural daylight to the fullest extent possible is required, in most industries air-conditioning and humidity or dust control are factors which enter into the processing of so many modern materials, that the use of glazed window areas as an element of architec- tural design is sometimes restricted to minimum requirements.
Consequently, in spite of all an architect might like to do to embellish the external appearance of a factory building he has been asked to design, he usually finds that the utilitarian requirements restrict
his artistic inclinations and discourage the exercise of his skill in contriving decorative effects.
Nevertheless the tendency these days is, if not to try to disguise the unromantic nature of the building, at least to dress up its appearance. This, the owners are beginning to recognise, is good psychology and, therefore, good publicity; for surely a spruce and attractive building could hardly harbour a shabby product.
Three industrial buildings are pictured below, all designed by the same architect, Mr. D. T. Walters, which are examples of outstanding designing of this class of structure. All are either square or rectangular and we have not attempted to reproduce floor plans which, except for lifts and stairways, are simply floor areas for the placing of machinery and the storing of raw and finished materials.
KAM CHUNG NAM WEAVING COMPAYN
CHUTENA
A new building for the Kam Chung Nam Weaving Company on Inland Lot No. 20, Kun Tong, in which will be employed approximately 400 workers.
The Company will eventually erect their own staff quarters in the residential part of Kun Tong when a site is available.
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The working drawings are now completed and the project will be going out to tender about the end of November.
The area of the lot is about 20,000 square feet, purchased in June 1957 for $312,000.00, the Building Covenant for which is $240,000.00.