November_1966 — Page 39

world news

Report on the Use of Computers

ALTHOUGH the computer can help the contractor with many, many items much detailed analysis and rationalisa- tion is likely to be necessary before the power of the com- puter can be used to full advantage, says the first report of a committee on the application of computers in the British construction industry.

The committee was set up by the Ministry of Public Building and Works. Its first report summarises the pre- sent position of the application of computers in the indus- try and is in four parts: application by designers. by quantity surveyors, by main contractors. sub-contractors. manufacturers and suppliers, and coding and data co- ordination.

The report says that at least 400 contractors have on occasion used computers to help with project planning by the critical path method. An interesting recent develop- ment is that some clients including the Ministry itself. now encourage or require their contractors to use critical nath networks. Copies of the report are available from the Ministry's headquarters (Room 1510), Thames House South, Millbank, London S.W.1.

New Imperial Theatre Opened in Tokyo

TOKYO's well known. Imperial Theatre, opened in 1911, has been replaced by a new building which was completed last month after two and half years under construction.

The new theatre, designed in copper tones, occupies about 40 per cent. of a new nine-storey block named the International Building, which has six basement levels and covers 17.000 sq. meters along the moat facing the Im- perial Palace.

Its 55 m. wide and 20 m. deep stage comprises a rotating stage with a diameter of 16.4 m. in which two large and two medium-size elevator stages are incorporat- ed. The rotating stage is designed to be changed in three ways while the four elevator stages move up and down

International Building, Tokyo.

freely. With further sliding stages at both sides, the time required for a dark change is about five seconds. When all of the stages are used along with another five small elevator stages, seven different scenes can be presented at the same time.

The proscenium of the theatre is 19 m. wide by 8 m. high and a permanent orchestra pit accommodating 40 musicians is designed to be moved up and down so as to utilise it both as a stage and as audience seating. Also, a large capacity orchestra pit for 75 musicians can be provided by eliminating an apron stage.

Characteristic works of stained glass and tapestry re- produced by two Japanese artists Genichiro Inokuma and Kazu Wakita, enhance the luxurious atmosphere of the 2nd floor foyer. The new theatre will hold 1,800 persons.

Progress on Rehousing in Tashkent

OVER 50,000 Tashkent families, or two-thirds of those made homeless by the April 26 earthquake, have moved into new homes and hostels, or returned to their rebuilt flats. There are reported to be 70.000 builders now at work in the Uzbek capital. constructing new residential districts, of which the largest is Chilanzar, in the south- west of the city.

A feature of the central part of Tashkent which is also being reconstructed is a 17-storey Intourist hotel. built in the form of an open book.

Birmingham Arts Block

A START has been made on a new Arts and Commerce Building commissioned by the University of Birmingham, UK.

Comprising twin 12-storey blocks connected by a link

The new Tay road bridge in Scotland was opened in August. Some 7,356 ft. long, it took three and a half years to construct. The bridge is supported on 42 piers, most of them 180 ft. apart but widening to 250 ft. to span the two main navigation chan- nels. A 10 ft. wide central promenade divides the dual carriageways and two observation platforms have been cantilevered over the road to give views of the Tay estuary.

Far East Architect & Builder November, 1966

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