No_6_June_1968 — Page 3

news review

HK pavilion sails pass wind tunnel test

THE much critisised bat-wing sails which will top the Hong Kong pavilion at Expo '70 have passed stringent tests in the wind tunnel at the Civil Engineer- ing Department of the University of Hong Kong.

Mr. Graham Blundell, the HK exposition adminis- trator, said last month that the results had proved to be even more favourable than originally planned and it would now be quite safe to keep the sails up in force five winds between 17

and 21 knots.

The wind tunnel tests were set up under the supervision of Mr. K. W. Leung, lecturer in civil engineering at the Univer- sity. They followed pre- liminary tests at Aberdeen by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department.

Mr. Blundell said: "From the original plan- ning date it was known that the sails could be fix- ed on the pavilion and that they would have to be so designed that they could withstand all but the strongest gales. A scale model was therefore made under the supervi- sion of Mr. Ken Stather, fishing master at Aberdeen, and

and the technical problems involved with raising and lowering of the bat-wings were solved. However it was considered prudent to check the results at Aberdeen by testing the material to be used for the sails in the wind tunnel."

Mr. Alan Fitch pictured at wind tunnel tests on the HK pavilion

model

Provisional drawings of the pavilion were approv- ed when Mr. Alan Fitch, co-ordinating architect, and Mr. Blundell visited Osaka in April. Working draw- ings and specifications are now being prepared. Hong Kong and Japanese contractors have been shown copies of provisional drawings and will be asked to tender for building the pavilion early in July.

P160 million Manila food market project

WORK on the first stage of the Greater Manila Food Market which is to be built at Fort Bonifacio is expected to begin within the next two months. It will cost about P85 million and will provide facilities for fruit, vegetables, eggs, poultry and cereals.

Far East BUILDER, June 1968.

An artists's impression of the multi-storey office building which will be a distinctive feature of the new Pathunwan Square Commercial-Entertainment Centre, Bangkok. The block will include a revolving restaurant at roof level, a 45-unit shopping arcade and underground parking for 100 cars. Construction will be completed by the end of 1969. The architect is Mr. Krisda Arunvongse.

The total project is estimated to cost P160 mil- lion, further stages providing markets for livestock and fresh fish.

The Development Bank of the Philippines is handling the scheme, and will call for bids from sup- pliers /financiers for turnkey contracts covering financ- ing and construction. Three Japanese firms have sub- mitted preliminary proposals. They are Mitsubishi Shoji Kaisha Ltd., Toyo Menka Kaisha, Ltd. and Marubeni Iida Co. Ltd. A French company has also made initial enquiries, according to the project director, Eliseo P. Ocampo.

The market complex will combine a depot and marketplace for the wholesale distribution of farm produce. It will include warehouses, cold storage a permanent agricultural fair, packing stations, a rail system, service stations, maintenance shops, restaurants and dormitories. An abattoir and faltering station for livestock will also be constructed at Alabang. Rizal.

Scholarship plan for post- graduate students

THE Board of Architects, West Malaysia, will hold a final meeting in August to discuss its scholarship plan for post-graduate architecture students of the Technical College.

Chairman of the education committee of the Malaysian Institute of Architects, Mr. Fong Ying Leong, said last month that the scholarships were for students to complete their professional training abroad.

"In obtaining a Diploma in Building Design, students at the college have only reached the inter- mediate stage of an architecture course." he said. "The scholarships which will be tenable for two to three years, will enable diploma holders to undergo training in Britain and other Commonwealth countries."

At the coming meeting, the board will decide on the number of scholarships to be awarded as well as the terms.

Contract soon for Bangkok underpass scheme

THAILAND'S Interior Ministry is considering tenders for the construction of an underpass at Rajthei Circle on Phya Thai Road, Bangkok.

Estimated to cost about 8 million baht, the scheme is designed to relieve traffic congestion on Petchburi

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