No_5_February_1961 — Page 47

The Assessor, Mr. J.R. Stewart D.A., A.R.I.B.A. found

that the competitors met this challenge well and produced outstanding designs and presentations which simplified understanding of their schemes. In his general report he says:

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THE PROBLEM WAS NOT

TWENTY-EIGHT registered archi-

tects applied for competition conditions and twenty entries were received and assessed.

The Malayan architects obviously considered this a challenge to their architectural prowess and produced not only outstanding designs but also delightful presentations which simplified the understanding their schemes. Intelligent handling of circulation, planning, cross ven- tilation, services and architectural character were obvious most entries.

of

The problem set was not an easy one, the island site was restricted and the floor area laid down within the schedule of requirements was large in comparison. It was impos- sible to place all units on one floor and generally competitors chose either a two or three storey solution with an internal courtyard containing the dining out areas ог a central block with dining areas facing the surrounding roads.

Correct orientation was not always sufficiently considered though large overhangs seemed to be favoured. Some schemes showed internal light wells for service circulation and garbage disposal which were very small in area and open to criticism from the functional and health point of view.

On the other hand this principal was adopted by others who intel- ligently handled its detailed design and satisfactorily solved its problems.

The

All competitors did not observe the conditions as published. ceiling height was given as 10 feet 6 inches minimum though in one case 8 feet 6 inches was shown in sections and authority quoted in the that of the Tropical report Building Research Station. The limit- ing cost of M$375,000 was an im portant factor, though on cubic estimates it was doubtful if some

was

submissions could actually be con- structed for that amount.

The grouping of types of business was generally followed, though in many cases it was very loosely inter- preted. The positioning of these units of business showed no particu- lar trend regarding position on site or floor nor were the car parking arrangements accepted in one position.

Solutions were noted with under- ground car parking, mezzanine park- ing, covered parking and open park- ing on all parts of the site outwith the shopping precinct. Competitors tended to accept owner car parking only and ignore the lorry/van vehicles which would naturally be expected to deliver goods etc.

In some schemes it would take some time to park even though the prospective buyer only wanted to quickly purchase on article. I felt that generally the parking solutions were unduly complicated.

Not all competitors submitted details of external illumination or

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street furniture, which was specifical ly asked for in the conditions. How- ever, in some cases these fittings were shown as an integrated part of the design and I am sure that the effect introduced during the evening would be startling and effective.

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In general the elevations were pleasant and clean. Unfortunately some authors introduced shaves and cliches which were unrelated to the overall design and detracted from the simple massing relationships.

The materials specified in the reports were normally acceptable regarding costs though a few excep- tions used materials which I would hesitate to classify as permanent. would like also to congratulate the competent competitors for their standard of draughtsmanship and presentation.

First prizewinner's first floor

THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER VOLUME 15. NUMBER 5

The assessing of these designs was not an easy one as the standard of design was high and the elimination in the first instance was the non- compliance with the conditions.

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