course to the moat which surrounds the tower block at ground level,
Some quarter of a million gal lons of water is kept moving through these systems at the rate of 42.000 gallons an hour. Tinted a colourful blue. it is specially treated to prevent the formation of algae
and slime.
On the ground floor of the building is a small surau. or pray. er room. where Muslim members of both Houses can adjourn for Friday worship. The circular room has a diameter of 36 feet and can accom- modate about 100 people on its car- peted floor. The roof is conical in design. an a stylised mimrhab is provided for the imam conducting
prayers.
The central feature of the ground floor is the massive banqueting hall. which has approximately the same dimensions as the House of Repre sentatives above. Round this stretches a spacious library, with room for extension right down the north wing of the building. together with main plant room. workshops. and stores.
In front of the building is a large reception foyer, from which a hang- ing staircase. supported on metal rods suspended from the ceiling. leads up to the Members lounge above.
Another access, at the opposite end of the foyer. opens on to the main air-well, where a Concrete ramp. set in an ornamental garden reminiscent of a Japanese courtyard. leads up to the first floor. Because of its ramp. reminiscent of a certain installation at the Regent's Park Zoo in London. this access has been nicknamed the "penguin walk."
Around the perimeter of the ground floor, no fewer than ten entrances give on to various sectors of the concourse. Starting. in clock- wise direction. with the ceremonial entrance at the front, these comprise two entrances to the banquet hall. located under the connecting bridges. a members' entrance to the Lower House. a vehicle entrance to a base- ment garage, with room for 50 cars. a staff entrance, service entrance to the plant installations, entrance to the electrical sub-station. press and strangers' entrance. rear entrance to
▲ The main staircase leading up to the House of Representatives
from the ceremonial entrance.
the library and. coming round to the fourth and final frontage of the buildin, the side facing north, the Senate entrance.
On the first floor. along with the Senate and Lower House facilities already mentioned. are a press room together with a lounge and canteen for the permanent staff, press and strangers.
THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER-VOLUME 18, NUMBER 4
At second floor level. the central area of the concourse becomes an enclosed courtyard. dominated by the roofs of the House of Representa- tives and the Senate. Mr. Shipley has turned this into a secluded roof garden. with squares of lawn and shallow pools and canals of water. Here members of both Houses can retire between sessions for relaxation
דני
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