IITUTE
DIFFICULT UNION
Conjoined with the main build- ing is the three-storey administration block. In view of the absolute need for inter-communication at all levels this was a difficult marriage to effect, resulting perhaps, in too close an embrace for aesthetic comfort.
The exterior of the administration block is, however, most distinguish- ed. The elevations of full and mez- zanine floors and the three project- ing balconies, for ceremonial occa- subtle sions. are composed in a pattern of voids, windows and al- ternating panels of exposed concrete; the bays separated by upstands of near-black. bush-hammered con-
crete.
Entry to the main exhibition building comprises an outer and inner hall with a long foyer at the end of which a sudden gap brings into view the whole vast complicat- ed and colourful interior the ar- chitectural justification for the long
narrow entrance.
A wide ramp leads into the hall on to a central circular platform from which staircases fly in all die-
HOLLAND PARK
ART GALLERY AND CINEMA
HALL
SERVICE
▲ South elevation of the exhibition block and east elevation
of the administration block.
ections to the great curved platform- shelves upon which the exhibits are mounted, and down to the main floor where further exhibits recede into the angles and corners of the build- ing.
COLOURFUL SCENE
The platforms rise in two tiers, their edges protected by white paint- ed railings, a foreground to the bril liantly arranged and coloured sets of Commonwealth scenes, sculpture and fine arts. Rear walls of the building, in the upper levels, are de corated in midnight blue from which black lamp trays jut out like gar-
HOLLAND WALK
****
POOL
COVERED BRIDGE
COVERED WAY
GATES
SHOWCASE
FLAGPOLES
FIRE ENGINE
ACCESS
GATES
ROADWAY
ADMINISTRATION
4
ENTRANCE FROM CAR PARK
CARS
SUBSTATION
THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER-VOLUME 17, NUMBER 4
KENSINGTON HIGH STREET
their
goyles.
reflective interiors throwing a brilliant light on to the partly exposed grey and white roof- ing above.
From the circular platform the view immediately and high above is of a square of concrete measuring 90 feet in each direction. This square has been formed into a sad- dle shape and the view when look- ing at it from below is therefore elongated, and has the twisted ap- pearance
RAYS OF CONCETE
Outside this is a larger square, with sides 183 feet long, also twist- ed for purposes
of tension and rigidity, the resulting
resulting curvatures providing the shapes which give this building such a kick. The un- derside of the outer square, as seen from the interior, consists of rays of white concrete supporting ribs. the webs filled with minor cross ribs of steel channel with grey wood- wool slabs resting in them. The outer surface of the whole roof is covered with insulating material with a final sheath of copper.
A point of real interest is that all these most delicate curves in roof surfaces are achieved with straight structural members: a matter of importance contributing to simple
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