No_2_July_and_August__1953 — Page 32

The Site

normally desirable, but it was done for the sake of economy. As an assembly hall, there is seating accom- modation for 250 on the main floor, and for about 100 in the gallery situated along the east wall. At the end of the hall, opposite the lobby, a stage has been provided, at each side of which there is a small ante-room which may be used as changing rooms. One feature of the stage is that its depth can be extended four feet for theatrical purposes. Chair storage is provided underneath it.

The auditorium is suitable for many of the Association's activities, such as public lectures, concerts, alumni ban- quets, plays, cinema shows, bazaars and dances. Good lighting and cross- ventilation have been provided. The ceiling height is 18 feet.

The basement is devoted to the dining hall with its kitchen, domestic science rooms, changing and shower rooms for the gymnasium, and other service rooms.

The gymnasium-cum-assembly hill looking towards the stage,

private worship and for Bible classes, The chapel has sufficient pews to seat The new Y.W.C.A. building is 32 persons; in case there is a larger

The dining room is 20 ft. wide by situated at the junction of Garden congregation, the committee rooms 51 ft. 6 in. long and has accommoda- Road and Macdonnell Road on slop- can be added. Although the chapel tion for 80 diners. Although located ing ground about 12.900 square feet is quite small, an appropriate atmos- in the basement, it has adequate light in area, with the highest point on the phere has been obtained by using and large French windows, leading to west side. The difference in levels on chancel furniture and pews, simple in a covered terrace, overlooking the the site is about 140 feet, and this design and harmonising with the lawn and the gardens. It not only difference has been fully exploited in panelling on the wall behind the provides accommodation for specta- the setting out of the basement, sub- altar.

tors watching outdoor games, but it basement and terraces. Thus, costly excavation and retaining walls are A balcony opens off the reading and may also be used to facilitate cater- partially avoided, and the restricted reception rooms, and this overlooks ing to extra diners at large public area fully utilized.

the lawns at the back of the building. Two smaller balconies at the front of Planning

the building open off the chapel and one of the meeting rooms.

The design of the building was based on a thorough understanding of Y.W.C.A. activities and needs. The gymnasium can be entered which was achieved by the close from the main lobby, from a bridge association between the architect and connected to Macdonnell Road or the committee throughout the whole from a staircase leading to the lawn. process of development.

Thus, when it is used for outside activities, visitors need not pass The hostel is L-shaped in design. through the lobby, and disturbances The main entrance vestibule is ap- to other departments will be minimis- proached from Macdonnell Road and ed. Provision has been made for a leads to the main lobby. Around the badminton court and for gymnasium lobby is an office suite of three rooms, apparatus--both fixed and movable. one of which is open, with a counter

The gymnasium is also used as an

at the front, the main staircase and the gymnasium; a corridor from the assembly hall; obviously the use of it lobby leads to the reception room, the for this combined function is not reading room, the chapel, committee rooms and the lavatories.

Between the secretary's office and the chapel, and overlooking Garden Road, is a suite of three rooms for the

commit- numerous Association tees. These rooms have movable folding screens between them, so that they can be converted into one or two larger rooms if so required for bigger meetings.

Adjoining the committee rooms. and at the end of the corridor, is a small chapel. 21 ft. long by 16 ft. wide, where prayer services are held every morning; it is also intended that this should be used for quiet

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The ground floor plan.

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