length, connected by bridge floors which house between them two major spaces, the concourse and the con- ference hall
The mam concourse, which does not need to be airconditioned, is con- cerved as a central locating space rising up like a funnel to a roof light at the top of the building, the hall rises up two and a half storeys, with its back- stage forming the central end wall on the north west elevation.
Office accommodation for the town corporation has been deliberate ly concentred on three levels, on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors, (with the VIP penthouse on the roof level above). The rental/expansion office space has been located at 2nd floor level being the most convenient area for expan- sion by the various departments.
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On the main floor level it is pro- posed to have a general enquiry office to serve the JTC and tourists, and for the organisation of functions using the amenities in the building. At one corner of the concourse which is connected to the lower entrance foyer by a grand staircase are located the tourist lounge and the display centre which occupy two floors, extending down to the lower ground level, and therefore also accessible from the lower entrance. It is proposed to allow for a larger display space than required in view of the probable need for ac- commodating transient exhibitions as well as permanent displays of products.
A fully carpeted theatrette is also provided at the other corner of the concourse, insulated from traffic noise by thick walls and ramparts.
The concourse can also be used as additional exhibition space, and it leads directly into the conference hall. The hall will easily accommodate 1,000 seats, and full back-stage facili- ties are provided, together with an access ramp for heavy props or exhibi- tion equipment, display machinery or vehicles. As a multi-purpose hall, no special acoustic treatment has been called for, and the side walls will be in double glazing (curtained when re- quired) to achieve an interesting visual relationship with the side foyers.
Un the right of the hall are two committee rooms; on the left is a large airconditioned foyer which connects to the reception halls and the VIP lounge.
Circulation
The reception hall can be sub- divided into three parts, with the cen- tral section larger than the side ones. Above the reception hall is a roof gar- den (available for fine weather and evening use), and immediately below it is the main staff canteen. The three levels are interconnected by access stairs and a common servery system.
The relationship between the main hall, the reception hall and the staff canteen (at lower ground level) has been planned to give the best com- munication with the two common kit chens, which are located at lower ground level at the western corner. The common servery system also con- nects upwards, to serve the office floors (for refreshment facilities) and also the board room and the pent- house up above.
The lower ground entrance foyer is meant generally for use during recep tion and concerts, a ticket office being provided in the foyer; show-cases at the display centre on the other side of the lower driveway provide areas of interest that will liven up this space.
This entrance level is also to be used by JTC staff who can then reach the office levels by the lift towers on either side. The mail room is located at one side beside the lift corner.
In form the building consists of two 5-storey blocks, the longer of which is approximately 460 ft. long, with the VIP penthouse above it.
The main vertical access points are clearly expressed, and one of the main staircase towers becomes the clock tower shaft. The south west elevation clock face will be an electronic digital 'score board' type time panel. A small viewing platform is provided at the top of the clock tower, reached by a special lift (with motor room below) from the roof level of the main block.
The chairman's suite, the board room and reception areas are located on the 3rd floor of the longer block, with the board room enjoying the best view of the park, and also of the south west. The chairman's suite also has a covered terrace enjoying a good view.
The penthouse can be reached directly from ground level by lift access, and is also connected by inter- communicating staircases with the chairman's suite below; it is well pro- vided with roofed terraces and gardens and commands a panoramic view.
The Jurong Town Hall will indeed be a focal point of distinction.
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Far East BUILDER, April 1970
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