February_1966 — Page 67

Taiwan is within both the earth- quake and typhoon zones where a structure of balance and symmetry is preferable. Heavy reinforced con- crete was chosen for the structure for several reasons: to make the maximum use of local materials, to ensure that the priceless treasures are adequate- ly preserved, and to provide protec- tion against vandalism, theft possible bombing.

Lighting

and

Most parts of the interior are arti- ficially lit by controlled lighting. Three-dimensional objects are drama- tized by the use of floodlights while paintings and caligraphies have har- mony lighting.

The lecture hall on the ground floor has a grid iron coffer ceiling and semi-indirect lighting fixtures are dis- tributed in the coffers. Concealed reflected lighting is fitted to the ceil ing of the reception room and to the walls of the corridor around the lec- ture hall.

The grand exhibition hall on the second floor is illuminated by a wall to wall luminous ceiling extending to the front and rear galleries of the third floor to give an effect of spaciousness.

Chinese lanterns are hung from the decorated ceiling of the fourth floor pavilion.

A complete system of water chilled air conditioning serves the display and

Detail of

steps and

pavement

storage area and there are two small- er units for the administration area. The temperature is maintained at 80 degrees F. at summer season and 70 degrees F. in winter. Relative humidity is designed between 50 per cent in summer and 40 per cent in winter. The air conditioning is auto- matically adjusted by the load itself.

There are no big three-dimensional objects on display and all the items are encased in glass. They include delicate paintings, paper work, rare books and art treasures in jade. bronze, porcelain, lacquer ware, en- amel and ivory. The display of over 1,000 pieces will be changed very three months and it would thus take a person 50 years to see all the objects.

For the preservation of the art treasures a storage tunnel has been excavated into the upper part of the hillside. The floor of the tunnel is at elevation 53.5 to assure dry condi- tions.

The section of the tunnel is horse- shoe shape of 3.6 metres width. The total length is 185.5 metres. exclud- ing the entrance hall.

A 26 metre long bridge connects the tunnel with the third floor of the museum and there is direct access to the tunnel from the other end. The reinforced concrete is 50 centimetres thick at the walls and arch and 70 centimetres thick at the bottom. Height of the hill above the tunnel is 20-30 metres.

DECADE

'X'

Today's Approach to a DECADE of Structural protection

The Longlife

Liquid Plastic

Roofs:

Decade 'X' is a roofing material in its own right, ideal for new construction work or as

a weathertight sheathing on existing states, tiles, concrete, asbestos, asphalt, etc.

Walls:

Decade 'X' provides a maintenance-free protective plastic skin to all types of walls. It is available as a textured finish in nine attractive colours that last for years. Factory matched colours available for specific requirements.

Structures:

Decade 'X' is a long term protective treatment for bridges, towers, shelters, chimneys, subways, pipelines, cabletracks, stanchions, turnelling, girderwork, all structures exposed to salt spray.

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Enquiries:- RHEOPANOL (HK) LTD.

Phone: 230282

Far East Architect & Builder February, 1966

57